The Cretans revolt against Turkish rule in…

The Cretans revolt against Turkish rule in 1897.

Large consignments of arms had been sent to Crete from Greece by the beginning of 1897.

On January 21 the Greek fleet is mobilized, and in early February Greek troops land on the island, and union with Greece is proclaimed.

The following month, however, the European powers, concerned to prevent the disturbance from spreading to the Balkans, impose a blockade upon Greece to prevent assistance being sent from the mainland to the island.

In April, the Greeks, thwarted in their attempt to assist their compatriots in Crete, send a force, commanded by Prince Constantine, to attack the Turks in Thessaly.

By month’s end, however, the Greeks, who are inadequately prepared for war, have been overwhelmed by the Turkish army, which has recently been reorganized under German supervision.

The Greeks then yield to pressure from the European powers, withdraw their troops from Crete, and ...