The Greek revolt against the Ottoman Turks was to be one of the decisive events of the history of Europe in the 19th century. Greek independence was achieved by the intervention of Russia, France and Britain, but the motives for their involvement were very different.

Britain and France had no objections to the independence of the Greeks. On the contrary, public opinion was very much in favour. Many young, idealistic Englishmen and Frenchmen, the most famous is certainly Lord Byron, actually went to fight. Both Britain and France were worried about the possible outcome because the Greek Orthodox revolt was actively supported by Orthodox Russia.

The Greeks achieved their independence in 1827 because of the intervention of Russia, France and Britain. Whereas Russia desired the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Britain and France intervened in order to make sure that that it did not collapse. If it did, then Russia would have easy access to the Mediterranean Sea from the Black Sea via the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. For both Britain and France the Mediterranean Sea was of vital strategic importance and, after 1830, Russia was seen as the great danger to peace in Europe.

Nationalist Revolutions after 1820

• Spain, Portugal and Italy
• There were also nationalist revolutions outside Europe when the Latin American subjects of the kings of Spain and Portugal rose in rebellion to obtain their independence.
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