Treaty of London 1864 and the Union of the Ionian Islands
The Treaty of London 1864 stands as a pivotal diplomatic agreement that reshaped the borders of the Mediterranean. This multilateral treaty facilitated the transfer of the United States of the Ionian Islands from British control to the Kingdom of Greece, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of Greek national unity.
Before this union, the Ionian Islands had existed as a federated entity under a British amical protectorate—a friendly diplomatic guardianship—established by the Treaty of Paris in 1815. Unlike much of the Greek mainland, these islands had remained under Venetian control until 1797 and had successfully avoided Ottoman rule.
The Geography of the Ionian Federation
The United States of the Ionian Islands comprised seven distinct states. Six of these were located in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of the Greek mainland: Corfù (Kerkyra), Ithaca (Ithaki), Paxò (paxos), Cephalonia, Zante (Zakynthos), and Santa Maura (Lefkas). The seventh state, Cerigo (Kythera), was situated further south, southeast of the Peloponnese.
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The Path to Enosis
Following the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, a strong movement for enosis (the Greek term for union) grew among the inhabitants of the islands. The desire to join the Greek state became a central political goal for the local population.
By 1862, the British government began to shift its stance. Foreign Secretary Henry John Temple, the 3rd Viscount Palmerston, decided during a Cabinet meeting that the islands should be ceded to Greece, a policy that received the support of Queen Victoria.
Political Influence and the Greek Throne
The transition was further smoothed by changes in Greek leadership. The accession of Prince George of Denmark, a known Anglophile (an admirer of English culture and politics), to the Greek throne played a role in the diplomatic climate. Interestingly, in a November 1862 referendum, the Greek people had initially elected Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria, as their king, partly in hopes that such a move would secure the return of the Ionian Islands.
The Treaty and Its Aftermath
After extensive negotiations, the Treaty of London was signed on March 29, 1864, with the Greek delegation represented by Charilaos Trikoupis. The treaty was drafted on September 23, 1863, and officially became effective on May 21, 1864.
Upon the departure of British forces on May 21, the Ionian Islands were integrated into the Kingdom of Greece as three provinces. However, the agreement included a specific provision allowing Great Britain to retain the use of the port on Corfu.
Historically, this event is regarded as the first instance of voluntary decolonization by the United Kingdom. For Greece, it represented the first of several territorial expansions that would continue until 1947.
Key Facts
- Effective Date: May 21, 1864.
- Ceding Power: United Kingdom.
- Receiving Power: Kingdom of Greece.
- Islands Involved: Corfù, Ithaca, Paxò, Cephalonia, Zante, Santa Maura, and Cerigo.
- Key Negotiator: Charilaos Trikoupis (Greece).
- Significance: First example of voluntary British decolonization.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Drafted Date | September 23, 1863 |
| Signed Date | March 29, 1864 |
| Location of Signing | London, England |
| Original Signatories | Greece, Prussia, Russia, United Kingdom |
| Effective Date | May 21, 1864 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Treaty of London 1864?
The primary purpose was to formally cede the United States of the Ionian Islands from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Greece.
Which islands were included in the union?
The union included Corfù, Ithaca, Paxò, Cephalonia, Zante, Santa Maura, and Cerigo.
What does the term "enosis" mean in this context?
Enosis refers to the movement and desire for the union of the Ionian Islands with the Greek state.
Did Britain give up all its interests in the islands?
No, while the islands became Greek provinces, the United Kingdom retained the right to use the port on Corfu.
Why is this treaty significant in the history of the British Empire?
It is viewed as the first example of voluntary decolonization by Great Britain.