Dilemmas and orientations of Greek policy in Macedonia : 1878-1886

Abstract

Following the settlement of the Congress of Berlin, the Greeks delineated
a more realistic policy on Macedonia. Unable to come to an understanding
with either Bulgarians or Serbs, and finding themselves on recurring crises
with the Turks, they decided to draw on the means and strength of Hellenism,
both in the Kingdom and the Ottoman state.
Limiting the extend of their claim to 2/3 of Macedonia, they endeavoured
to expand their educational program—particularly in the central, contested
zone—to strengthen their religious institutions, and raise the economic status
of the Macedonian Greeks.
These long-range plans, however, were upset by the annexation of Eastern
Rumelia which brought the Bulgarians closer to Macedonia and, thus, in a
better position to challenge Greek claims on the region.