Treaty of London (1864)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of London (1864)?

Subject:

Treaty of London (1864)

Known for:

The 1864 treaty ceded the Ionian Islands from the UK to Greece, fulfilling a long-held desire for Enosis.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of London in 1864 resulted in the United Kingdom ceding the United States of the Ionian Islands to Greece. Britain had held an amical protectorate over the islands since the 1815 Treaty of Paris. The federated United States of the Ionian Islands included seven islands off the coasts of Epirus and the Peloponnese, that had remained in Venetian hands until 1797 and escaped Ottoman rule.

Career & Major Achievements

Of the seven, six lay in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of the Greek mainland. These six states were Corfù (Kerkyra), Ithaca(Ithaki), Paxò(paxoi/paxos), Cephalonia, Zante (Zakynthos) and Santa Maura (Lefkas). Cerigo (Kythera) was also a state of the federation, although it is situated southeast of the Peloponnese.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ever since the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, the people of the Ionian Islands had pressed for union, or enosis, with Greece. At a meeting of the British Cabinet in 1862, Foreign Secretary Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston decided to cede the islands to Greece. This policy was also favoured by Queen Victoria.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1797: 1797 Milestone — The federated United States of the Ionian Islands included seven islands off the coasts of Epirus and the Peloponnese, that had remained in Venetian hands until 1797 and escaped Ottoman rule.
2. 1815: 1815 Milestone — Britain had held an amical protectorate over the islands since the 1815 Treaty of Paris.
3. 1862: 1862 Milestone — At a meeting of the British Cabinet in 1862, Foreign Secretary Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston decided to cede the islands to Greece.
4. 1864: 1864 Milestone — The Treaty of London in 1864 resulted in the United Kingdom ceding the United States of the Ionian Islands to Greece.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of London (1864)

True or False: “True or False: The Ionian Islands had always been a fully independent state, never requiring a treaty for sovereignty.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The islands had undergone multiple changes in control, including Venetian rule, escaping Ottoman control, and being under a British protectorate since 1815.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham González (governor) — Historical peer (Born in 1864) (1864): Governor of Chihuahua and key Maderista leader during the Mexican Revolution.
• Adelaide Anne Procter — Historical peer (Died in 1864) (1864): English poet and philanthropist known for her work on poverty and faith.
• Ada Lovelace — Historical peer (Born in 1815) (1815): Pioneering mathematician recognized as the first computer programmer.
• Adolph Menzel — Historical peer (Born in 1815) (1815): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Adolphe Thiers — Historical peer (Born in 1797) (1797): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar — Historical peer (Died in 1797) (1797): Founder of the Qajar Dynasty, who reunified Iran and established Tehran as its capital.
• Andrew Fisher — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): Australian Labor Party leader and Prime Minister of Australia (1862–1928).
• Aristide Briand — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): French statesman known for international reconciliation and peace efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of London (1864)