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People
Greek War Of Independence (1821-1829)
Aleksandros Mavrokordatos (1791-1865)
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Aleksandros Mavrokordatos {Αλέξανδρος Μαυροκορδάτος} (1791-1865) [Santarosa] [Lord Byron] [Francois Maxim Raybaud] [Civil Wars]. Born in Constantinople {Konstandinoupolis ~ Κωνσταντινούπολις} and educated at the Great School of the Nation, Mavrokordatos became a member of the Society Of Friends [The Society] in 1819 and shortly after this Athanasios Tsakalof [People] employed him as a member of the Arhi ({Αρχή} = Leadership). He came to Greece from Italy, where he had been living, when the War of Independence broke out. From a military point of view, his name is associated with the campaign in Ipiros {Ήπειρος} and the defeat at Peta {Πέτα} (July 4th, 1822). But he is better known as a politician of the Revolution. He was the first President of the 1st National Assembly in Epidaurus {Epidavros ~ Επίδαυρος} (December 20th, 1821).
He adopted an unwavering, anglophile policy in the belief that because of its interests in the Orient, England was the only power that would be able to oppose Russian expansionist plans, and because he regarded England as a paragon of political, economic and social organization. As leader of the "English Party" he sent a letter asking for a stand to be taken against the Russian plan to divide the Greece of the revolution into three principalilties, arguing that it was in the interests of England and Europe for there to be an independent Greek state. His views and actions caused a lot of activity behind the scenes, which led to the Treaty of London (July 6th, 1827).
After the arrival of Ioannis Kapodistrias [People], Mavrokordatos undertook ministerial duties. But in 1830 he resigned and gained distinction as leader of the opposition. For almost the entire reign of King Otto [People] he was out of the country as an ambassador. Even so, King Otto made him Prime Minister in 1841, 1844 and again in 1854. Each time, however, the king so undermined his work as to directly or indirectly provoke his resignation. Mavrokordatos remained faithful to the Monarch until 1862 when he was involved in activities leading to his overthrow and expulsion.
Aleksandros Mavrokordatos (1791-1865)
(by K. Krazeisen)
04-23-2004