Internationally renowned Professor of History at Columbia University, Mark Mazower, shared his thoughts at an anniversary online event. Specifically, the professor reflected upon how our perception of the Greek Revolution had changed throughout the years and the significance of the Greek Revolution in international history and the establishment of modern states.
Mark Mazower has been conducting research for many years and is preparing to publish a book entitled “The Greek Revolution: 1821 and the Making of Modern Europe,” which will be published in 2021. He is a member of the Greece 2021 Committee and has published extensively on issues of modern Greek, Balkan and European history.
The online anniversary event was held as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution and was organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Boston and the International Center for Greek and Mediterranean Studies under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in Washington.
The academic seminar entitled “Reflections around 1821” was held in the form of a discussion of the distinguished historian with Dr. Nikolas Prevelakis, professor at the Department of Social Studies at Harvard University.
Focusing on how the understanding of the Greek uprising has evolved, in the light of ongoing academic research, Mark Mazower highlighted points in history that emerged following recent historical research. Among the issues he addressed were the role of religion, nationality, the protagonists of the Revolution and the Friendly Society, but also the role of public opinion in Europe that led to the change of attitude of European diplomacy.
The British historian underlined as a determining factor for the successful outcome of the Revolution, the role of the long-term resistance of the Greeks who managed to keep the Revolution alive for an unexpectedly long time, until favorable diplomatic relations shifted in favor of Greece at a European level.
He pointed out the positive role of the ancient Greek heritage and the Philhellenic movement and referred to the importance of the Enlightenment, the pan-Balkan vision of Rigas Feraios and the role of landowners, merchants and different social groups of the time.
As he explained, the Revolution brought about radical changes in Greek society, countryside, economy and social stratification.
Source: ANA-MPA
