Quelques éléments nouveaux sur l' histoire du mouvement philhellénique en Suisse et en France (1825-1830)

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the philhellenic movement in Switzerland and France during the years 1825-1830. The first philhellenic committee was formed in Zurich in 1821 under the direction of Professors Bremi and Orelli, and other prominent citizens. In 1823 the Geneva committee asked the philhellenic committees of Paris and London to provide information about the existing situation in Greece and the urgent needs of that country. Geneva also was prepared to accept young Greeks arriving in Switzerland to study in its Universities and Colleges. At the beginning of 1826 Geneva contributed 23,400 frs for the needs of the Paris committee and sent large quantities of guns and clothing to Greece. By 1825 the Geneva committee, guided by the strong personality of Jean-Gabriel Eynard, had become the most important one in Switzerland. After the fall of Missolonghi, Eynard tried to lift the morale of the Greeks by sending additional material aid. All the committees of Switzerland turned to Eynard for advice about Greece and its needs, and the famous educator Feilenberg conferred with him on the question of the education of the
young Greeks.