Description
The Greek Revolution was of particular importance to the Americans. The American newspapers of the time called the outburst of sympathy and support for the Greeks “Greek Fire”, making a parallel with the Byzantine liquid fire. Although the composition of liquid fire has been lost in the course of history, the American “Greek Fire” consisted of enthusiasm for the Greek struggle, which was inspired by the belief that democratic ideals connected the Americans with the ancient Greek past.
This book, however, does not simply contain a story about the extent of American support for the Greeks. This movement in favor of Greek independence is a unique way to explore the American interests in Greece and also the Ottoman Empire; to examine the ways in which the Americans believed they would help the Greeks secure independence, and also examine how these efforts influenced the reform movements during the 19th-century in the United States.
