King George I of Greece was assassinated in Thessaloniki, a city that had recently been liberated during the Balkan Wars. As he attended a ceremonial event, he was approached by Alexandros Schinas, who shot him at close range, leaving the King mortally wounded. This shocking act occurred against a backdrop of significant political tension in Greece, stemming from the nation's efforts to expand its territory during the Balkan Wars. The assassination was deeply rooted in the complexities of national identity, regional power struggles, and the influences of foreign powers on Greek sovereignty.

The aftermath of the assassination led to widespread public outrage and lamentation for the King, who had been a beloved figure since he ascended to the throne in 1863. His death raised questions about the stability of the Greek monarchy and the future direction of the country amidst ongoing conflicts in the Balkans. Alexandros Schinas, the assassin, was a figure of controversy, seen by some as a national hero while condemned by others. His capture and subsequent execution highlighted the polarizing effects of his actions on Greek society.

The political vacuum created by King George's assassination resulted in shifts within the government and heightened tensions among competing factions within Greece. The event was a turning point that not only affected the immediate political landscape but also influenced the country's trajectory in the tumultuous years following the Balkan Wars, as Greece grappled with modernity and nationalism.