The reformist party in the Ionian Islands, (1848-1852) : internal conflicts and nationalist aspirations

Abstract

The reform of the Ionian Constitution in 1848-49 owed much to the
influence of a small group of liberal Reformers on the Lord High Commissioner, Lord Seaton. But in the 9th Assembly, the first elected under the new
dispensation, it was the Radicals who, though a minority, were by their cohesiveness and vehemence the most effective party. Following a resolution by
this group for immediate union with Greece the new Lord High Commissioner, Sir Henry Ward, secured a dissolution of the Assembly. Ward then
attempted to achieve a modus vivendi with the Reformists who, viewing union
with Greece as a long term commitment, meanwhile aimed at securing further constitutional concessions. In the ensuing elections the Radicals were
virtually decimated and what appeared to be a safe majority of Reformists
was returned to the 10th Assembly. In the event the hopes of securing further
concessions from the British Government were confounded by internal disagreements amongst the Reformists. Napoleon Zambelis, apparently alarmed at the unscrupulous behaviour of local officials in his native Santa Maura
during the elections, and apparently feeling that the proposed reforms would
close the way to eventual union, determined to oppose the proposed measures.
The outcome of Zambelis’ opposition was the rejection of any further reform
by the Assembly. This study seeks to elucidate the specifically 'Ionian’ side
of an event which is regarded as crucially important in the campaign for the
union of the Ionian Islands with Greece.