GREEK INDEPENDENCE, WAR OF

(1821–32) Rebellion of Greeks within the Ottoman empire .

The revolt began under the leadership of Alexandros Ypsilanti (1792–1828). He was soon defeated, but in the meantime other rebels in Greece and on several islands gained control of the Peloponnese and declared Greek independence (1822). Three times the Turks attempted invasions. Internal rivalries prevented the Greeks from extending their control and consolidating their position. With Egyptian reinforcements, the Turks successfully invaded the Peloponnese and captured several cities, but the intervention of the European powers saved the Greek cause. A settlement was finally reached at an 1830 London conference, declaring Greece an independent monarchical state.