The Greek War of Independence has touched a chord in Western Europe.

Such figures as Lord Byron find a "noble cause" in the Greek struggle against the Ottoman Empire.

Philhellenes, as these sympathizers come to be called, play a critical role in the war.

The conflict attracts the physical, monetary, and moral support of a variety of West European idealists.

The Philhellenes raise money to support the insurgents, and they focus the attention of the outside world on the conflict until the powers of Western Europe decide to intervene.

In European Great Power politics after the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815, maintenance of the status quo is the first priority.

In such an atmosphere, the attention of the Great Powers (primarily France and Britain) can be drawn most quickly by situations that disrupt their common economic interests.

Indeed, in 1823, the war in Greece has already begun curtailing commerce in the eastern Mediterranean, but the European powers realize that the defeat of the Ottoman Empire will leave a power vacuum over a very large, strategically important region.

Therefore, they move cautiously to ensure an advantageous position after the anticipated collapse.

These calculations balance Britain and France.