18th – 19th centuries

 

18th – 19th centuries

 

Historical Events

A particularly important event in the history of Lesvos was the Russo-Turkish War of 1768 – 1774. The Russian fleet trapped the Turkish fleet in the Cesme Strait where it was decimated. The presence of the Russian fleet in Mytilene was painful for the population of the island and in particular for the inhabitants of the capital. A few days after the Russians left the island, the Turks of Mytilene swooped down on the Christians and began to kill indiscriminately, seizing the goods of the inhabitants by force. During this period, there were many pirate raids on the island, mainly by the Psarians, who plundered Plomari in 1770 and Plagia in 1773. The unpleasant consequences of the Russian intervention in the East for Greece were compensated by the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji, which contributed substantially to the development of navigation and trade.

The first revolutionary movement against the Turks took place in 1817, while in 1821 the revolutionary alliance of Chios and Mytilene failed. In 1822 there was another attempt to revolt in Lesvos, but the massacre of Chios led to the abandonment of this attempt.

Financial life

The Cretan War, apart from its painful consequences, had positive consequences as well, since with the displacement of the Venetians from the Aegean Sea, the Aegean people were able to trade over longer distances. These commercial exchanges were enhanced by the signing of the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji.

The land gradually came into the hands of the Greeks, but the harsh taxation (tithe, head tax, etc.), the way the land was exploited and the control of the means of production, as well as various natural disasters (the great earthquake of 1755) resulted in delayed development of the rural economy and the abandonment of the land. In the 18th century, the expansion of olive cultivation, which became monoculture in the 19th century, contributed to the economic development on the island. Craftsmanship gradually developed as well.

With the reforms implemented by the Decree of Rodokipos (1839) and Hatt-i Humayun (1856), the island’s economy was transformed and gradually showed great signs of prosperity and  success due to its agricultural products and the expansion of the market through trade and industry.

Social life

Social life in the 18th century begins to be transformed in the light of new economic developments, but this change is slow and gradual. Most of the inhabitants of Lesvos are engaged in cultivating the land which still is in large parts under the ownership of the Turks. The people of Lesvos face a variety of natural and social disasters.

The 19th century, however, finds the island in great prosperity and economic growth. The social stratification changes and the class of merchants and craftsmen – industrialists makes its first appearance. At the same time, in the context of the move towards the capitalist organisation of production, the working class also emerges. In addition, the fast pace of urbanisation transformed the city of Mytilene into an important commercial and industrial centre. The life of the people of Lesvos during this century has changed for the better and this change is mainly due to the influence of their contact with Europe.

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