The Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece is one of the most important milestones in the course towards the national integration of the newly created state.

The Ionian Islands – Corfu, Cephalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Paxos and Kythera – had a long history under foreign rule, the most important of which was the Venetian rule. After the Napoleonic Wars they passed to the hands of the British and, from 1815, they became the United States of the Ionian Islands, under British “protection”.

During the 19th century, a strong movement for the Union was fostered, mainly through the activity of the Radical faction, which urged for the annexation of the islands to Greece. Even though the British initially opposed the idea, the changed their stance in the context of a broader tactful political levelling of their relations with Greece.

In 1863, when George A’ rose to the throne, Great Britain decided to transfer the Ionian Islands to Greece, as a token of good faith. The official union was made on 21 May 1864 and was a great national success.

The Union of the Ionian Islands was a geographic, strategic and population boost for Greece, whilst being a source of inspiration for the liberation of other subjugated Greek regions. It was a peaceful union, achieved through diplomatic means, and an important step towards the national integration of the Greek State.

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy