Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Greek Revolution


             The Greek Revolution was a time of confusion and opinions, all of which were either majorly or slightly different from the next. Some who contemplated over the revolution as it was rising thought it would only result in destruction. Others supported the Greeks and predicted their success by looking at their current progress. Everyone had reasoning behind their opinions, whether they were how it could benefit them or just the nature of the Greeks and the Turks.
People such as Mustapha the third, who was sultan at the time, was totally against the Greek Revolution. Mustapha did all he could to prevent uprisings, mainly because his position in power was at risk. Vahid Pasha agreed with Mustapha, calling the revolution seekers “drunkards shamelessly roaming about and cheering.” These two high members of society looked down upon the Greeks.
                Many others argued that during the revolution the Greeks should have been supported for numerous purposes. Claude Etienne Savary and Percy Bysshe Shelley spoke of the culture of Greece and how it’s laws, literature, and arts must be preserved especially after the Turks destructive nature towards it all. Snyed Davis was speaking of the successfulness of how Athens used to be and how the Turks have ruined the land, implying that change needed to be put in action. Alexandros Kalphoglou, and the Greek Exiles themselves all had reasoning for rebellion, talking about how they are worthy and deserve to be granted independence.
James Dallaway seems to have a neutral view of both the Turks and the Greeks, because he mentions “they’re only less ignorant than their Turkish masters.” He is neither for nor against the Greek Revolution, as a large number of people. Edward Blaquiere thought that the fighting should never have started, and it was all just foolish, slightly siding with the turks. Alexander Mavrocordato noted that “humanity, religion, and interest all plead in their [the Greeks] favor,” so he wasn’t saying he necessarily supported them, but that people must be aware of them and their power.
At the time there were many opposing views on the Greek Revolution and it’s progression, but it seems that a majority of people supported the Greeks and their fight for independence.