Constantine I's Restoration to the Throne
December 19th, 1920
December 19th, 1920

How Long Ago?
104 years, 2 months, 23 days ago
Location
Greece
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Alexander of Greece
- King Constantine I
Links & References
Tags
Constantine I's Restoration to the Throne
King Constantine I was restored as King of the Hellenes after the plebiscite held following the death of his son Alexander, who died as a result of a monkey bite. The restoration came after a period of political turmoil following World War I, during which King Constantine had previously abdicated. The plebiscite reflected public support for the king's return as tensions still brewed within Greece.
Plebiscite favored Constantine's return to power.
Alexander's death triggered public support for the king.
Constantine's reign faced significant challenges post-war.
Event reshaped Greece's political landscape in the 1920s.
What Happened?
King Constantine I's restoration followed a tumultuous era in Greek politics and history. He had initially abdicated the throne in 1917 under pressure from the Allies during World War I, who opposed his neutrality stance. After his son, Alexander of Greece, died from an infected monkey bite, public sentiment shifted towards restoring the monarchy under Constantine. A plebiscite was conducted, allowing Greek citizens to voice their preference, and the majority favored the king's return. This event was significant not only for the royal family but also for Greece's political landscape in the wake of changing international alliances and domestic unrest.
The plebiscite occurred amid growing national tensions and a desire for stability after years of conflict. Constantine's return marked a shift towards traditional monarchy in Greece again after a brief period of republican sentiment and political strife. His restoration was a pivotal point, reaffirming the monarchy's role and altering the course of Greek politics as it tried to navigate post-war realities, including territorial aspirations, economic recovery, and the consequences of the recent Greek defeat in the Greco-Turkish War.
Following his restoration, Constantine faced numerous challenges, including ongoing divisions within the country regarding alignment with France and Britain versus pursuing a more nationalist agenda. His rule led to both immediate unrest and set the stage for further conflicts, ultimately culminating in the Greek Civil War post-World War II. The implications of his monarchy influenced Greece's political trajectory throughout the 20th century.
Why Does it Matter?
The restoration of King Constantine I is interesting because it signifies a return to royal absolutism in a country grappling with the effects of modern conflicts. The event underscored the complexities of national identity and the struggle between monarchy and republic within Greece, which would continue to affect the country deeply throughout the next several decades. This transition was not merely a family affair but served as a reflection of broader social and political dynamics in Europe following the devastation of World War I.
Discover More Historic Events from December 19th
Assassination of Russian Ambassador in Turkey
Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, was shot and killed while delivering a speech at an art exhibition in Ankara. The assailant, Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş, a Turkish off-duty police officer, approached Karlov during the event and opened fire, resulting in his death. Altıntaş was subsequently shot and killed by security forces on the scene. The incident sparked a significant outcry and raised tensions between Turkey and Russia, which had been cooperating on several geopolitical issues before the assassination.
Continue ReadingBerlin Christmas Market Vehicular Attack
A truck was driven into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, Germany, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuring 56 others. The attack occurred during a festive event in Breitscheidplatz, a well-known square in the city. The assailant was identified as Anis Amri, an asylum seeker from Tunisia, who escaped after the incident. This attack highlighted vulnerabilities in security during public gatherings in urban areas.
Continue ReadingLaunch of Gaia Spacecraft by ESA
Gaia, a space observatory by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched to create a three-dimensional map of our galaxy. This mission aimed to measure the positions, distances, and motions of stars with unprecedented precision. The launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana and was a major step towards understanding the Milky Way and its structure. This ambitious project seeks to unlock the mysteries of stellar evolution and galactic dynamics.
Continue ReadingChalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 Crash Details
Chalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 crashed shortly after taking off from Miami Seaplane Base, plunging into the Government Cut channel. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 20 individuals on board. The seaplane, a Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard, faced mechanical difficulties shortly after departure, leading to the fatal crash. The event raised questions about aviation safety and regulatory oversight for seaplane operations.
Continue ReadingRiots Erupt in Buenos Aires Protesting Policies
Widespread riots broke out in Buenos Aires as citizens protested against the economic policies of the Argentine government. This unrest was fueled by severe financial crisis which led to increasing poverty and unemployment rates. People took to the streets demanding change, expressing their frustration through protests that turned violent. The government response included a state of emergency and widespread police repression to curb the disturbances.
Continue ReadingRecord High Barometric Pressure in Mongolia
A remarkable weather phenomenon occurred when a record high barometric pressure of 1,085.6 hectopascals (32.06 inHg) was registered in Tosontsengel, Khövsgöl, Mongolia. This unusual atmospheric condition raised interest among meteorologists and weather enthusiasts, showcasing the region's unique climatic characteristics. Such extreme readings are relatively rare globally, especially in Mongolia's harsh winter climate, highlighting the importance of studying weather patterns in this vast area.
Continue Reading