Historically Thinking Episode 394: Greek Revolution
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Feb 3, 2025 Yanni Kotsonis, a Professor of History at NYU, dives deep into the Greek Revolution, a defining event that reshaped nationalism in the 19th century. He discusses how layers of imperialism and social upheaval led to Greece's independence. The complexities of nationalism are unpacked, alongside the unexpected emergence of revolutionary fervor among Greeks. Kotsonis also highlights the pivotal role of trade in forging Greek identity and reflects on the financial struggles that have persisted from the revolution to modern times.
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Overlooked Significance
- The Greek Revolution is a significant yet overlooked event in 19th-century history.
- It shaped the culture of the Eastern Mediterranean and birthed modern nationalism.
Limited Understanding in Greece
- Yanni Kotsonis, despite growing up in Greece, admits to a limited understanding of the Greek Revolution's complexities during his childhood.
- Greek schools taught a parochial view of the revolution, focusing on national heroes and patriotic songs, neglecting the broader context.
Fragmented Greek Identity
- Before Greek independence, there was no unified "Greece."
- The Greek identity was fragmented, and loyalties were tied to local regions or empires like the Venetian, French, Russian, and Ottoman.