Why the European Powers Refrained from Assisting Greece in Recapturing Lost Territorial Claims
During the aftermath of the First World War, the notion of a unified European response to the reclamation of territories stolen by the Ottoman Turks has been a topic of significant debate. Greece, in particular, sought assistance to recapture territories that were once part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire), such as Constantinople and Smyrna. This effort was juxtaposed with the nearly successful reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Spain following the occupation by the Moors. This article delves into the reasons why the European powers, including the Allied countries, did not provide substantial support to Greece.
Exhaustion from the First World War: A Key Factor
The Great War had its legendarily devastating impact on both the material and moral psyche of the participating nations. Following the fatigue and trauma of four grueling years, the Allied nations, including Britain, France, and Italy, were highly exhausted. They were focused on demobilization, reparation, and the reorganization of their newly shaped geopolitical landscapes.
The Aftermath of Partitioning the Ottoman Empire
The partitioning of the Ottoman Empire was seen as a complex and ambitious venture. Greece’s aspirations to reclaim territories from the Ottoman Empire were initially seen as a part of the broader strategy. However, the inclusion of Greece’s reclamation efforts alongside the claims from other nations, particularly those vying for their lost territories in the Middle East, made the scenario more intricate. The desire to partition the Turkish heartland and its numerous territories made the situation highly contentious and politically fraught.
Changing Political Fortunes and Diplomatic Realities
Politics played a significant role in the computations of the Allied nations. David Lloyd George, a prominent figure in Britain, initially supported Venizelos’s efforts to recapture Constantinople and Smyrna. However, Lloyd George’s cabinet was not united on this matter, and the British government’s stance shifted dramatically after the Greek general election in 1920. Venizelos, who had been instrumental in the previous years, lost the election, and the monarchist King Constantine I, who had been opposed to Greece’s war efforts, returned.
This shift in political fortunes, combined with the changing diplomatic landscape, had a considerable impact on the willingness of the British, and subsequently, the French and Italian governments, to support Greece’s efforts. These nations were increasingly involved in backroom negotiations with Atatürk and his CHP, looking to restore their respective occupied regions in Anatolia. Consequently, Greece found itself operating in isolation, relying on its own resources and strength.
The Role of the United States and the League of Nations
The United States, having rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, was a non-entity in these negotiations. The Allies had initially proposed to give America significant responsibilities, including a large Kurdish mandate and significant military roles in the former Turkish heartland. However, the U.S.’s non-involvement meant that Greece had to navigate these challenges alone.
The 1922 Greek Defeat and Aftermath
The year 1922 marked a critical juncture in Greece’s efforts to reclaim lost territories. By this time, Greece had suffered significant defeats, especially in the Asia Minor Campaign, leading to a strategic withdrawal. The aftermath saw a near-confrontation between British and Turkish forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula, reflecting the precarious geopolitical situation.
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923, marked the resolution of much of the conflict. In this treaty, Turkey managed to secure the majority of its territory (excluding Alexandretta, Eastern Thrace, most of Armenia, and parts of Northern Iraq). This resolution was largely a result of the negotiations between Atatürk and the Allied nations, including the U.S., Britain, and France.
Conclusion: A Complex History of Reconquest and Reclamation
The questions surrounding the reclamation of territories stolen by the Ottoman Empire highlight the complex interplay of historical narratives, political interests, and geopolitical realities. While Greece was unable to reclaim historical territories, this issue also reveals the intricate dynamics at play in the aftermath of the First World War. The events leading up to 1923 reflect a period characterized by shifting alliances, nationalistic fervor, and the intricate dance of diplomacy.
For further reading, the works by Roderick Beaton, Andrew Mango, and Sean McMeekin offer invaluable insights into the broader context of the Eastern Roman Empire, Ataturk, and the Ottoman Endgame.