HISTORY OF CORFU

THE OVERTHROW OF THE VENETIAN STATE AND THE SITUATION IN CORFU

Following their victory against Austria in May 1797, the French arrived in Venice where they abolished the aristocratic state and established a temporary town hall. The situation in Corfu (as well as in the rest of the Ionian Islands) remained unstable. The general governor of the Ionian Islands had lost control and uprisings spread from Corfu to the rest of the islands.

At the same time the French had established a political organisation on the island that incorporated the middle class peasants and young nobles in its ranks.

THE OCCUPATION OF CORFU

After defeating the Venetians, Napoleon Bonapart sent his general Enselm Gentili to capture the island.

Enselm Gentili issued a proclamation abolishing the aristocratic government and establishing a democratic one.

The reception of Gentili by the local authorities was cold as opposed to the warm and enthusiastic welcome given the French troops on landing.

The French attitude, heavy taxation, irony towards the Orthodox doctrine and snobbish behaviour towards the lower classes created a feeling of dissatisfaction belying their great and momentous slogans (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).

Looting of the fortresses and churches of Corfu by the French, who transported all valuables to France, caused turmoil.

The nobles, followed by the Church tried to exploit the situation creating anti-French propaganda, while at the same time cultivating a pro-Austrian feeling. With no prior knowledge of the pact between France and Austria, they were trying to prepare the ground for an Austrian occupation.

The French plans came to fruition by October 1797 with an agreement signed with Austria which allowed them to incorporate the Ionian Islands into the French Democracy.

This relieved the people of Corfu and was accepted and celebrated with enthusiasm.

THE FRENCH ADMINISTRATION

Following the incorporation, the central and provincial administrations were established. Both authorities were directly under the French State, reporting to an administrator. The prefecture of Corfu incorporated Corfu, Lefkada, Paxi and all the inhabited islands around them as well as Vouthroto and Parga.

The prefecture was divided into municipalities and the central administration of the prefecture was divided into twelve departments.

General Chambord appointed Peter Jacob Comeira as General Administrator in July 1798 while Gentili remained military commander until his replacement in 1797.

During the French occupation emphasis was placed on public education and was supported by every means.

1798 saw the establishment of the first public library in Corfu with 4,500 books as well as the appearance of the first Printing house in Greece.