Eleftherios Kyriakou Venizelos, born on August 23, 1864 (or August 11, 1864, according to the Old Style calendar), was a towering figure in Greek history, widely recognized as "The Maker of Modern Greece" and still affectionately known as the "Ethnarch." This prominent Greek statesman and leader of the national liberation movement left an indelible mark on his country until his passing on March 18, 1936. His legacy is deeply intertwined with Greece's expansion and the promotion of liberal-democratic principles.

The Early Years: From Crete to National Prominence

Venizelos's political journey began on the island of Crete, then an autonomous state under Ottoman suzerainty. His first significant entry onto the international stage was his crucial role in securing the autonomy of the Cretan State, eventually leading to its union with Greece. A pivotal moment in his early career was the Theriso revolt, an insurrection that erupted in March 1905 against the government of Crete, specifically targeting the rule of Prince George of Greece. This revolt, named after his mother's native village, Theriso, became the focal point of Venizelos's defiance.

The roots of the Theriso revolt lay in a profound disagreement between Venizelos and Prince George over Crete's future, particularly the island's potential union with Greece. The conflict escalated after 1901 when Prince George dismissed Venizelos from the government. The prince's approach to foreign relations and his reluctance to consult his advisors on internal affairs fueled Venizelos's opposition. After a prolonged political struggle, Venizelos and his supporters launched an armed uprising, driven by the dual objectives of unifying Crete with Greece and establishing a more democratic government for the island. The success of the Theriso revolt not only cemented Venizelos's position as Crete's leading politician but also brought him national attention, setting the stage for his eventual call to Athens.

A Transformative Prime Ministership

In 1909, Eleftherios Venizelos was invited to Athens to address a significant political deadlock, an invitation that signaled his burgeoning influence across the wider Greek world. He soon became the Prime Minister of Greece, a position he would hold eight times over two main periods: from 1910 to 1920 and again from 1928 to 1933. During his tenure, Venizelos proved to be a transformative leader. He initiated far-reaching constitutional and economic reforms that laid the groundwork for the modernization of Greek society. Understanding the geopolitical realities of the era, he also meticulously reorganized both the army and navy, preparing Greece for future conflicts.

Expansion and Conflict: The Balkan Wars and World War I

Venizelos's diplomatic acumen and strategic vision were particularly evident before the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913. His catalytic role was instrumental in securing Greece's entry into the Balkan League, an alliance of Balkan states united against the Ottoman Empire. Through his leadership and diplomatic skill, Greece achieved remarkable territorial gains, effectively doubling its area and population with the liberation of Macedonia, Epirus, and the majority of the Aegean islands. These successes were crucial steps in fulfilling the aspirations of the "Megali Idea" – the irredentist concept of uniting all ethnic Greeks in a single state with Constantinople as its capital.

His foreign policy continued to shape Greece's destiny during World War I (1914–1918), as he brought Greece to the side of the Allies, further expanding Greek borders. However, this pro-Allied stance brought him into direct conflict with King Constantine I of Greece, leading to the "National Schism." This deep political and social divide polarized the population into royalists and Venizelists, and the ensuing struggle for power profoundly affected Greece's political and social life for decades. Following the Allied victory, Venizelos skillfully secured new territorial gains, particularly in Anatolia, bringing Greece tantalizingly close to realizing the full extent of the Megali Idea.

Despite his significant achievements, Venizelos faced a setback in the 1920 General Election, a defeat that contributed to Greece's eventual loss in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–22). In a period of self-imposed exile, he continued to serve his country, representing Greece in the critical negotiations that led to the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne and the agreement of a mutual population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

Later Years and Lasting Influence

In his subsequent periods in office, Eleftherios Venizelos focused on restoring normal relations with Greece's neighbors and further expanding his constitutional and economic reforms. Though he briefly resurfaced from retirement in 1935 to support a military coup, its failure severely weakened the Second Hellenic Republic. His extensive impact on both the internal and external affairs of Greece solidifies his position as one of the most influential figures in modern Greek history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eleftherios Venizelos

Who was Eleftherios Venizelos?

Eleftherios Venizelos was a prominent Greek statesman and a leading figure in the Greek national liberation movement, widely regarded as "The Maker of Modern Greece." He served multiple terms as Prime Minister and was instrumental in expanding Greece's territory and promoting liberal-democratic policies.

When was Eleftherios Venizelos born and when did he die?

He was born on August 23, 1864 (August 11, 1864 O.S.) and passed away on March 18, 1936.

What were his main contributions to Greece?

Venizelos significantly contributed to the expansion of Greece's territory, notably through the Balkan Wars and World War I. He initiated constitutional and economic reforms, modernized the army and navy, and played a crucial role in international diplomacy, including the Treaty of Lausanne. He is also noted for leading the Theriso revolt, which brought Crete closer to union with Greece.

What was the "National Schism"?

The National Schism was a deep political and social divide in Greece during World War I, caused by the conflict between Eleftherios Venizelos's pro-Allied foreign policy and King Constantine I's preference for neutrality. It polarized the population into Venizelists and royalists and impacted Greek politics for decades.

What was the Theriso revolt?

The Theriso revolt was an insurrection led by Eleftherios Venizelos in March 1905 against the government of Crete, then an autonomous state under Ottoman suzerainty. It aimed to unite Crete with Greece and establish a more democratic government on the island.

Why is he called "The Maker of Modern Greece" and "Ethnarch"?

He earned these titles due to his profound influence on Greece's internal and external affairs, his role in doubling the country's size, modernizing its institutions, and his relentless pursuit of Greek national interests on the international stage, essentially shaping the modern Greek state.