Dimitrios Gounaris, Greek lawyer and politician, 94th Prime Minister of Greece (d. 1922)

Dimitrios Gounaris (Greek: Δημήτριος Γούναρης) was a prominent Greek statesman and a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Greek politics. Born on 5 January 1867, he tragically met his end on 28 November 1922. It is worth noting the dual date of his demise: 15 November according to the Old Style Julian calendar, which was still in use in Greece at the time, and 28 November under the Gregorian calendar that is widely adopted today. His political career was marked by two significant tenures as the Prime Minister of Greece: first, from 25 February to 10 August 1915, and subsequently from 26 March 1921 to 3 May 1922.

A leading voice of the People's Party (Λαϊκό Κόμμα, Laiko Komma), Gounaris emerged as the foremost right-wing political adversary to his contemporary, Eleftherios Venizelos. This rivalry was central to the "National Schism" (Εθνικός Διχασμός, Ethnikos Dichasmos), a profound political and social division in Greece that significantly shaped the nation's destiny during World War I and the subsequent Greco-Turkish War.

The Early Political Landscape and the People's Party

Dimitrios Gounaris began his political ascent during a turbulent period in Greek history. As the leader of the People's Party, which was founded in 1910, he represented the royalist and conservative faction in Greek politics. This party typically advocated for a more traditional approach to governance, often aligning with the monarchy and emphasizing internal stability, in contrast to the liberal and often expansionist policies championed by Venizelos. The People's Party drew support from segments of the military, the church, and rural populations who harbored reservations about Venizelos's rapid modernization efforts and foreign policy orientations.

First Premiership (1915) and the National Schism

Gounaris's initial term as Prime Minister in 1915 occurred at a critical juncture during World War I. This period was dominated by the escalating National Schism, a deep ideological and political conflict between King Constantine I, who favored neutrality or alignment with the Central Powers, and Eleftherios Venizelos, who advocated for Greece's entry into the war on the side of the Allied Powers (Entente). Gounaris, aligned with the King's royalist stance, was appointed Prime Minister after Venizelos's resignation over the King's refusal to support an Allied expedition to the Dardanelles. His brief premiership was characterized by attempts to navigate Greece's neutrality amidst intense pressure from both warring factions, reflecting the royalist policy of avoiding entanglement in the war, which was increasingly unpopular with the Entente powers and the Venizelist camp. This political deadlock ultimately led to further instability and his eventual replacement.

Second Premiership (1921-1922) and the Asia Minor Catastrophe

Dimitrios Gounaris returned to power in March 1921, inheriting the complex and increasingly perilous Greco-Turkish War (often referred to as the Asia Minor Campaign). This conflict had begun in the aftermath of World War I, with Greece aiming to expand its territory into Anatolia, a region with historical Greek populations. His second government faced immense challenges, including the logistical complexities of sustaining a large army deep within Anatolian territory, diminishing international support, and a resurgent Turkish nationalist movement under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Despite the initial Greek advances, the tide of the war turned dramatically against Greece under Gounaris's leadership. The Greek army suffered a catastrophic defeat in August-September 1922, leading to the collapse of the front, the mass exodus of Greek populations from Asia Minor, and a national trauma known as the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

The Tragic End: The Trial of the Six

Following the devastating military defeat and the subsequent collapse of the Greek government, Dimitrios Gounaris, along with several other prominent politicians and military commanders, was arrested. He was accused of high treason and held responsible for the military failures and the national disaster. This period of intense public anger and calls for accountability culminated in what became known as the "Trial of the Six" (Δίκη των Έξι, Dikí ton Éxi) in late 1922. Despite his defense and claims of acting in the best interests of the nation, Gounaris, along with five others, was convicted and subsequently executed by firing squad on 28 November 1922. This event remains one of the most controversial and tragic chapters in modern Greek history, symbolizing the deep political divisions and the severe consequences of the National Schism.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dimitrios Gounaris

Who was Dimitrios Gounaris?

Dimitrios Gounaris was a Greek statesman who served twice as the Prime Minister of Greece, a prominent leader of the conservative People's Party, and a key opponent of Eleftherios Venizelos during the tumultuous period of the National Schism and the Greco-Turkish War.

When did Dimitrios Gounaris serve as Prime Minister?

He served two terms: from 25 February to 10 August 1915, and from 26 March 1921 to 3 May 1922.

What was Gounaris's political affiliation?

He was the leader of the People's Party (Laiko Komma), which represented the royalist and conservative faction in Greek politics, often opposing the liberal policies of Eleftherios Venizelos.

What was the "National Schism" and Gounaris's role in it?

The National Schism was a profound political and social division in Greece, primarily between royalists (who favored King Constantine I and neutrality in WWI) and Venizelists (who supported Eleftherios Venizelos and alignment with the Allied Powers). Gounaris was a leading figure on the royalist side, staunchly opposing Venizelos's policies.

What major historical event is associated with his second premiership?

His second term as Prime Minister coincided with the latter, disastrous phase of the Greco-Turkish War (Asia Minor Campaign), which culminated in the catastrophic Greek defeat in 1922, known as the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

How did Dimitrios Gounaris die?

Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe, he was arrested, tried for high treason in what became known as the "Trial of the Six," convicted, and executed by firing squad on 28 November 1922.