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Greece's National Schism: Venizelos, Constantine, and the Allies
The National Schism in Greece, a deep political divide during World War I, is explored in this historical account, focusing on the roles of Eleftherios Venizelos, King Constantine, and the Allied Powers.
Greek
Greece
International RelationsEuropean UnionNationalismPolitical ConflictGreek HistoryWorld War One
Allied PowersGreek GovernmentMovement Of National DefenseFrench ArmyBritish Army
Eleftherios VenizelosKing ConstantineGeneral SarrailNikolaos KalogeropoulosDimitrios Gounaris
- What was the goal of the Thessaloniki Movement?
- The Thessaloniki Movement, also known as the Movement of National Defense, aimed to force Greece's participation in World War I alongside the Allies. It was led by Venizelos and involved a military coup in Thessaloniki.
- What was the main catalyst for the National Schism in Greece?
- Venizelos delivered a speech criticizing King Constantine's pro-German stance and urging him to support the Allied Powers. This speech ignited the National Schism, a deep political divide within Greece.
- What was the role of the Allied powers in the National Schism?
- The Allied powers played a significant role in the National Schism, supporting Venizelos's movement against the King. Their involvement, especially from France and Great Britain, shaped the course of events in Greece during World War I.
- What was General Sarrail's role in the events of the National Schism?
- General Sarrail, commander of the Allied forces in Thessaloniki, supported the Movement of National Defense, though his exact level of involvement is debated. His actions, along with the Allies, contributed to the division within Greece.
- How did King Constantine's political views affect the course of events in Greece during World War I?
- King Constantine's pro-German sympathies and his reluctance to fully engage in the war against the Central Powers led to the National Schism and his conflict with Venizelos. His actions deeply impacted Greece's political stability and war participation.