The Greek Liberation of Northern Epirus: A Historical Overview and Analysis

Introduction

The region of Northern Epirus, located in the far northwest of modern Albania, has a predominantly Greek population dating back to ancient times. Throughout the 20th century, the region experienced several liberation attempts by the Greek people during the 1st Balkan War and the two World Wars. Despite these efforts, Northern Epirus was not permanently ceded to Greece on any of these occasions. This article delves into the historical context and reasons behind these decisions, focusing on three significant periods: the First Balkan War (1912-1913), World War I (1914-1918), and World War II (1939-1945).

The First Balkan War (1912-1913)

The First Balkan War was a significant event in the history of the Balkans, involving the Balkan League (consisting of Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria) fighting against the Ottoman Empire. During this war, Greek forces occupied parts of Northern Epirus, but these territories were not formally ceded to Greece in the subsequent Treaty of London in May 1913. The Great Powers, particularly Austria-Hungary and Italy, were concerned about Greek expansionism and the potential destabilization of the region. Their influence ultimately led to Northern Epirus being granted sovereignty to Albania instead of being annexed by Greece.

World War I (1914-1918)

During World War I, Greece remained neutral at first but later joined the Allies. In the aftermath of the war, the Treaty of Versailles and subsequent treaties did not grant Greece control over Northern Epirus. The Allies were focused on establishing a new order in the Balkans and the principle of national self-determination was complicated by the competing national claims in the region. The Great Powers again prioritized stability and the establishment of a new Albanian state, leading to Northern Epirus being internationally recognized as part of Albania.

World War II (1939-1945)

In World War II, Greece was occupied by the Axis powers, and Northern Epirus was briefly under Italian control. Following the war, territorial arrangements were influenced by the geopolitical realities of the post-war period, including the decisions made at the Yalta Conference. The Allies aimed to maintain a balance in the region, ensuring that Northern Epirus was not ceded to Greece. The Great Powers continued to recognize Albania's sovereignty over the area, reaffirming their earlier decisions.

Conclusion

Despite the significant Greek population in Northern Epirus and the multiple liberation attempts by the Greeks, international politics, the interests of the Great Powers, and the complex ethnic and national identities in the Balkans ultimately resulted in Northern Epirus remaining under Albanian sovereignty throughout the 20th century. The legacy of these historical events continues to impact the region and the relationships between Greece and Albania to this day.