Battle of Navarino

Definition

The Battle of Navarino, fought on October 20, 1827, was a naval engagement during the Greek War of Independence, where a combined fleet of British, French, and Russian forces defeated the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet. This decisive battle significantly impacted the rise of nationalism in Europe by promoting the cause of Greek independence and demonstrating the willingness of European powers to intervene in support of national liberation movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Navarino was the last major naval battle fought entirely with wooden ships and sail-powered vessels.
2. The combined fleet consisted of 27 ships from Britain, France, and Russia against 88 ships from the Ottoman-Egyptian side.
3. The battle was a significant turning point in the Greek War of Independence as it weakened Ottoman control over Greece and encouraged other nationalist movements in Europe.
4. After the battle, the European powers were more committed to supporting Greek independence, leading to the eventual establishment of Greece as an independent state in 1830.
5. The outcome of Navarino showcased the emerging trend of nationalism in Europe, influencing public opinion and diplomatic policies regarding national self-determination.

Review Questions

• How did the Battle of Navarino influence public opinion and political attitudes towards nationalism in Europe?
  • The Battle of Navarino influenced public opinion by showcasing the success of a collective European intervention in support of a national liberation movement. This event sparked widespread sympathy for Greece among various segments of European society, including intellectuals and politicians who began to advocate for national rights and self-determination. The battle helped solidify the notion that nations had a right to fight for their independence, thereby encouraging similar nationalist sentiments across Europe.
• Discuss the role that philhellenism played in shaping European involvement in the Battle of Navarino.
  • Philhellenism was instrumental in shaping European involvement in the Battle of Navarino as it created a cultural and moral imperative for Western nations to support Greek independence. Many Europeans viewed Greece as the cradle of civilization, leading to significant grassroots movements advocating for Greek causes. This enthusiasm translated into political pressure on their governments to intervene militarily, ultimately resulting in the naval alliance that defeated the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet at Navarino.
• Evaluate how the Battle of Navarino marked a shift in international relations regarding nationalist movements in Europe.
  • The Battle of Navarino marked a pivotal shift in international relations by establishing a precedent for external intervention in nationalist movements. Before this battle, European powers often prioritized stability over supporting revolutions. However, Navarino demonstrated that when a national cause resonated with broader European ideals—such as liberty and self-determination—intervention could be justified. This shift influenced future nationalist uprisings across Europe, setting a tone for international engagement that would evolve throughout the 19th century.

Related terms

Greek War of Independence: A successful war of independence by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1832, leading to the establishment of Greece as a nation-state.

Philhellenism: The support for Greek culture and independence by non-Greeks, which emerged in Europe during the early 19th century and was influential in garnering support for the Greek War of Independence.

Treaty of London (1827): An agreement that established the framework for foreign intervention in the Greek War of Independence, leading to the joint naval action at Navarino.