Greeks and Italians in the Italian Peninsula during the Napoleonic period, from the Standpoint of the Septinsular Republic

Abstract

In this paper, the author made an analysis of the political and patriotic activities carried by Greeks from the Ionian Islands during the Napoleonic period. In the context of Napoleon’s foreign policy, Ioannis Kapodistrias emerging as a key figure in the foundation of the Septinsular Republic and become the prominent representative of the Ionian Greeks. Thus, he gained the experience in international diplomacy and the reputation for his skills which were to become his passport to a political career in more important positions. It is on the basis of the events concerning the Ionian Islands and the first experience of collective activity with a common perspective by persons such as those described above that it is contended that the Septinsular Republic was for Greeks a foretaste of national independence.