Britain gained control of Cyprus in 1878 after the Treaty of Berlin.
Explanatory question
Britain gained control of Cyprus in 1878 after the signing of the Treaty of Berlin. The island had previously been under Ottoman control for centuries. The British were granted control of the island primarily due to its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East.
Cyprus became a British colony and remained so until its independence in 1960. During the early years of British rule, the island underwent a period of modernization and development. British engineering and infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads and railways, brought significant improvements to the island.
One of the significant events during British rule was the Cypriot Struggle for independence, which began in the 1950s. The struggle was mainly between British forces and a group of Cypriot nationalists known as the EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters). Eventually, the UK government granted independence to the island in 1960.
Winston Churchill, who served as the British Prime Minister twice, expressed his views on the strategic value of Cyprus, stating, “The key of the Mediterranean is Cyprus. He who holds it, holds the Levant and Syria.”
Interesting facts about Cyprus:
1. Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean.
2. It is home to one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, dating back over 4000 years.
3. The island is divided into two regions: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north.
4. Cyprus is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular tourist destination.
5. It is believed that the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born in Cyprus.
Table:
| Period | Control |
|---|---|
| 1192-1489 | Lusignan dynasty of the Crusaders |
| 1489-1571 | Venetians |
| 1571-1878 | Ottoman Empire |
| 1878-1960 | British Empire |
| 1960-2021 | Republic of Cyprus (in the South, internationally recognized) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (in the North) |
See the answer to “When did Britain gain control of Cyprus?” in this video
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory that was acquired following the War of Spanish Succession in 1704. Despite Spain’s attempts to retake it, Gibraltar remained under British control due to it being a critical naval base and the British having a larger navy to support the troops stationed there. After Spain’s failure, a referendum was held in Gibraltar in 1969, and over 99% of the population voted to remain under British control. To this day, Gibraltar remains a British overseas territory.
See more answers
Cyprus was annexed by Britain in 1914 after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty. The United Kingdom granted independence to Cyprus on 16 August 1960 and formed the Republic of Cyprus.
1914 – Cyprus annexed by Britain after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty.
The United Kingdom granted independence to Cyprus on 16 August 1960 and formed the Republic of Cyprus.
I am confident you will be intrigued
Subsequently, When did Cyprus become a protectorate of the British Empire?
The answer is: Cyprus’ status as a protectorate of the British Empire ended in 1914 when the Ottoman Empire declared war against the Triple Entente powers, which included Great Britain. Cyprus was then annexed by the British Empire on 5 November 1914.
Also, Why did Cyprus enter the Ottoman Empire?
Response to this: The Cyprus Convention Cyprus entered the Empire under rather unusual circumstances in 1878. The Ottoman Empire had just been at war with Russia and were very much in danger of losing control of their capital Constantinople. The British intervened in the crisis on the side of the Ottoman Turks by sending a fleet to intimidate the Russians.
Who ruled Cyprus in 1878? In 1878 the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, came under British control. Its population is made up of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriot majority desired the removal of British rule and union with Greece, known as Enosis.
What happened to Cyprus during WW1?
Cyprus was then annexed by the British Empire on 5 November 1914. During the course of the First World War Britain offered to cede Cyprus to Greece if they would fulfill treaty obligations to attack Bulgaria, but Greece declined.