Greece


House of Wittelsbach :

During the 1820's Greece was in rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, and finally gained its independence in 1829.   Under the 1st London Protocol in 1829, the boundaries were settled and most of the European nations recognized the independence of Greece.  After the assassination of President Kapodistrias the country fell into anarchy so a 2nd London protocol was drawn up in 1831.  In this protocol it was decided that Greece would become a monarchy and that an outsider would have to sit on the throne in order to stabilize the country.   Also Greece became a protectorate under Great Britain, France and Russia.   These nations decided to offer the crown to Prince Otto of Bavaria, son of King Ludwig I.  So in 1832 Prince Otto became King Otho of Greece.  Otho was very overbearing and counted more on Bavarian officials than native Greek ones.  In 1843 the Athens Garrison forced Otho to dismiss his Bavarian advisors and to form a constitutional monarchy.  By 1862 there were still those who wanted to do away with Otho, and using demonstration in Athens as an excuse deposed him.  They then turned to the protecting powers to nominate a new King.

House of Schleswig-Holstein:

After much discussion they decided upon Prince William George of Denmark, son of King Christian IX.  After being approved by a plebiscite in Greece he became King George I, and reigned until his assassination in 1913.  

On to - The Kings of Greece

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