Filiki Eteria, meaning 'Society of Friends,' was founded with the intent of liberating Greece from Ottoman rule. With growing national consciousness and inspired by the broader wave of revolutions across Europe, the members of Filiki Eteria organized at a time when discontent with Ottoman administration was rising. On April 12, 1820, Alexander Ypsilantis was declared the leader of this clandestine organization. He was born into a noble Greek family and had extensive military experience, having fought in various campaigns in the service of the Russian Empire. This background was instrumental as Ypsilantis brought both leadership and military strategy to the movement.

Ypsilantis's vision for Greece was informed by Romantic ideals of national liberation and sovereignty. His appointment as leader served not only to consolidate the members' efforts but also to galvanize public sentiment toward independence. Under his guidance, Filiki Eteria focused on recruiting more members, instilling a sense of urgency and purpose, and linking their cause with greater European notions of liberty and democracy. Nonetheless, this aspiration would soon clash with the realities of leading a significant uprising against a well-entrenched empire, culminating in the events leading up to the Greek War of Independence, influential in the broader context of the decline of Ottoman power.

Ypsilantis's leadership was marked by his call to arms, which eventually prompted uprisings in various parts of Greece. However, the early actions taken under his command led to failed military engagements, challenging the fledgling organization’s future and forcing them to reassess their strategies and goals in the ongoing struggle for Greek autonomy. Despite the setbacks, the legacy of the movement persisted, igniting a national revolution that drew attention and support from across Europe.

As the leader of Filiki Eteria, Ypsilantis's role was rooted deeply in the sentiments of nationalism and the quest for independence. His leadership galvanized many Greeks, setting the stage for significant social and political changes in the following years. The organization he led was paramount in fostering a collective identity among Greeks and laying the groundwork for the emergence of a modern Greek state. The seeds of revolt planted during his leadership would eventually blossom into the wider independence movement, reshaping the region's political landscape.