Greek nationalism has its roots in the rise of nationalism in Europe in the 19th century, and was characterized by the struggle for independence against the Ottoman Empire, culminating in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829), assisted by European Romantic philhellenes such as Lord Byron. Ethniki Etairia (a Greek nationalistic organization) is considered to be responsible for the outbreak of the Greco-Turkish War of 1897.
The Nationalist Party of Greece was active 1865-1909. Greek irredentism, the "Megali Idea" suffered a setback in the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), and the Greek genocide. Since then, Greco-Turkish relations have been characterized by tension between Greek and Turkish nationalism, culminating in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus (1974). The Greek Orthodox Church has been a popular source of Greek nationalism.
Nationalism played a significant role in Greek politics during the first century and a half of existence of the Greek state. Nationalist parties, past and present, include:
- 4th of August Party (defunct)
- National Alignment (defunct)
- Chrysi Avgi (active)
- Party of Hellenism (defunct)
- National Political Union (defunct)
- Hellenic Front (defunct)
- Front Line (defunct)
- Popular Orthodox Rally (parliamentary)
- Patriotic Alliance (defunct)
See also
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