CONSTANTINE I

KING CONSTANTINE I OF GREECE

This collection provides insight into the life of Constantine I of Greece, a king whose reign was defined by dramatic shifts in fortune, national division, and his deep connection to the Greek military. Containing rare decrees, edicts, manuscripts, cabinet cards, photos, and personal letters, the archive offers a look into the turbulent rule of a monarch whose decisions led to both acclaim and controversy. Ideal for historians and collectors, these artifacts reveal Constantine I’s complex legacy as a figure who sought to protect Greek sovereignty but faced the challenges of a nation divided.

Ascending the throne in 1913, Constantine I was initially celebrated for his military leadership in the Balkan Wars, which expanded Greek territory. However, his stance of neutrality during World War I placed him in direct conflict with Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, who supported the Allies, sparking the “National Schism” that polarized Greece. Constantine’s opposition to Allied involvement ultimately led to his forced abdication in 1917. Though he briefly returned to the throne in 1920, further military setbacks during the Greco-Turkish War forced him to abdicate again in 1922, ending his reign in exile.

Constantine I’s legacy is one of loyalty to his ideals and his nation, yet marked by the divisive politics of his era. His life exemplifies the trials of leadership amidst national division, illustrating the challenges faced by a king caught between loyalty to his vision and the shifting tides of Greek and global politics.