Chapter 05 - Cyprus under the British, 1878-1945

Abstract

This chapter, which explores the history of the island from the onset of British rule in 1878 to the end of the Second World War in 1945, is divided into three units. Unit one (covering the period from 1878 to the onset of the World War in 1914) initially examines the British decision to acquire Cyprus from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. It then discusses the main issues which preoccupied the British (and locals) on the island during the first decades of British rule. Without a doubt, the most important question the British faced was the demand of the Greek Cypriot majority for the union of the island with Greece (Enosis), and unit one sets this question in its appropriate context. The first unit also pays attention to matters of economy; the Tribute, it will be shown, formed one of the major grievances in Anglo-Cypriot relations until the late 1920s. The unit also examines the role of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the challenges it faced during its transition from Ottoman to British rule, as well as constitutional and educational matters. Unit two examines the history of the island between the two world wars. It discusses how and in what ways Enosis politics were influenced by developments, both inside and outside Cyprus. Also central to the account is an examination of social, economic and educational developments as these were accelerated at the aftermath of World War I. By examining the above, attention is given to how each of these factors brought friction to relations between the locals and the colonial authority and how such a tense relationship finally led to the outbreak of the 1931 revolt, the first instance of open defiance against the British. The unit examines the consequences the revolt and its suppression had on the daily life of Cypriots. Particular focus is given to the period of the Governorship of Richmond Palmer.

The final unit examines the fundamental changes Cyprus witnessed during the Second World War. This unit explains how the Cypriot contribution to the Allied war effort forced the British to allow at least a partial disengagement from the post-1931 regime. This resulted in the remaking of the political scene of the island and the emergence of new parties. The unit examines the British attitude toward war developments, including the revival of Enosis after Greece’s entry in the war and the growth of a labour movement facilitated by the war. Emphasis is given to how the war experience paved the way for future developments.