February 1878 – The Macedonian Revolution

February 1878 – The Macedonian Revolution

The 3rd such Revolution (after 1821 & 1854), which was launched by the Greeks of then Ottoman-controlled Macedonia, as a result of opposition to the Treaty of San Stefano (1878).

That Treaty concluded, with considerable Russian influence, that the region of Macedonia should be taken out of the control of the Ottoman Empire and handed over to Bulgaria.

In response to this decision, the Macedonian revolutionaries sought the abolition of the Treaty and were adamant that Macedonia should be re-united with Greece.

On February 19, 1878, the Macedonian Revolutionaries launched two attacks; One from Mt. Olympus and another from Mt. Vourinos.

After nearly 6 months of fighting, the Revolution did not achieve its desired result, as Macedonia was not re-united with the Greek state.

However, the vehement opposition of the Greeks of Macedonia to Russian Pan-Slavism in the Balkans and to a Greater Bulgaria was documented internationally, also, the diplomatic position of Greece which was opposed to the Treaty of San Stefano from the outset, was also strengthened.

A new agreement was reached at the Treaty of Berlin in July 1878. Macedonia would not be given to Bulgaria but instead would remain under Ottoman control. Although Macedonia remained outside the borders of Greece, the revolution played an important role in the eventual incorporation of Macedonia into the Greek state in the coming years.

Notable revolutionaries of the campaign were: Anastasios Pichion, Kosmas Doumpiotis, Georgios Zacheilas, Tolios Lazos, Bishop Nikolaos Lousis, Theodoros Ziakas.