TheEthniki Etaireia (Greek:Εθνική Εταιρεία,lit. 'National Society') was a secretGreek nationalistic organization created in November 1894, by a number of young nationalist officers, advocates of theMegali Idea. Its aim was to revive the morale of the country and prepare the liberation of Greek people still under theOttoman Empire.
In September 1895 they recruited civilians, all linked to the organization of theOlympic Games, includingDemetrius Vikelas,[1] although he claimed only to have given in to friendly pressure, playing a solely financial role and then quickly resigning from it.[2]
The populism of the Ethniki Etaireia is considered to be responsible for the outbreak of theGreco-Turkish War of 1897. Following Greece's defeat, it was dissolved under the pressure ofPrime MinisterGeorgios Theotokis.
