December 1st, 1913 - The Union of Crete with Greece

Like many Greek regions which revolted during the Greek War of Independence of 1821, Crete remained under Ottoman Control.

Several major Cretan rebellions followed: 1841, 1858, 1866-69, 1878, 1895-98, and all were brutally put down.

The continual fight for freedom by the Cretans maintained pressure on the Ottomans. In 1878, the Cretans secured some concessions, and it was granted a form of autonomy but remained under Ottoman suzerainty.

By 1889, the Ottomans had reneged on all concessions in the agreement. The Cretans continued to fight for and work for the freedom of Crete, its people and its Union with Greece.

In 1898, Turkish mobs rampaged, massacring hundreds of Cretans. This would be the beginning of the end for the Turkish occupation of the island, international condemnation of the atrocities resulted in the ousting of all Ottoman occupation forces.

A High Commissioner arrived from Greece, and a Cretan Gendarmerie force was established, at this time, the island of Crete was effectively under International administration.

Very quickly, though, Greeks started to assume control of various aspects of the island, and by 1906, Greece de facto controlled Crete. However, it was not until the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 that Crete was officially incorporated into the Modern Greek State.