Independence of Crete and the union with Greece

In 1898 a Cretan government was formed on the island. Prince George, the youngest son of King George of Greece was the highest governor. However, most Cretans’ aim remained the union with Greece. This undying revolutionary spirit led to the “Revolution of Therisos” in 1905. Eleftherios Venizelos was the leader of the Revolution. He had previously fought for the Greek independence. The Great Powers withdrew their forces from Crete, the Supreme Commander resigned and elections were held in which Venizelos was the winner. The long-awaited union of Crete with Greece took place in 1913, when under the Treaty of London, Sultan Mohammed II relinquished his formal rights to the island.