Liberal prime minister who brought Greece into the Balkan League and doubled its territory in the Balkan Wars
Born in Ottoman Crete, he led the struggle for Cretan autonomy and union with Greece. Called to Athens after the Military League coup of 1909, he became prime minister in 1910 and pushed through the 1911 constitution and the reorganisation of the army and navy. In 1912 he brought Greece into the Balkan League, and he pressed Crown Prince Constantine to take Thessaloniki "à tout prix" before the Bulgarians. In 1913 he concluded the alliance with Serbia and led the Greek delegation at the Bucharest peace talks. His clash with King Constantine over entering the First World War produced the National Schism. Sentenced to death in absentia after a failed coup in 1935, he died in exile in Paris in 1936.
Also known as: Eleutherios Venizelos
Activities and affiliations
Career Timeline
- 1897Took part in the Cretan Revolt
- 1905Led the Theriso revolt
- 1910–1915Prime minister of Greece (first tenure)
- 1913Greek delegate at the Bucharest peace conference
- 1928–1932Prime minister of Greece
- 1935Exile in Paris after a failed coup