Melbourne seminar to look at role of Greek cotton merchants in American Civil War

·

Political science lecturer Alexander Billinis will present an online-only lecture on the often overlooked role of Greek cotton merchants in the American Civil War, on Thursday, July 6 at 7pm, exploring the significant impact of Greek entrepreneurs on the war’s economic landscape.

The lecture is part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM).

With a strong emphasis on the Greek Merchant Marine, Mr Billinis has extensively studied the historical contributions of Greek cotton merchants. His research reveals how these merchants played a crucial role in the global cotton trade during the turbulent era of the Civil War.

During the secession of eleven Southern states from the American Federation in 1861, the South faced formidable challenges. However, armed with their dominant cotton production and the institution of plantation slavery, the South hoped to garner support from cotton-dependent nations such as Britain and France.

Greek firms, with their operations spanning Britain, Egypt, the Mediterranean, and India, and a presence in the United States, including New Orleans, emerged as key players in the cotton trade. While relatively small in the American market, Greek cotton merchants held significant influence in the growing Egyptian cotton market. As the war loomed, many Greek cotton merchants moved out of the South, relocating to Alexandria and driving a four-fold increase in Egyptian cotton production.

The strategic foresight and market intelligence of these Greek merchants had a notable impact on the course of the war. Despite disruptions to British and French industry and soaring cotton prices, alternative supplies from Egypt, India, and Brazil prevented a complete collapse of textile mills. As a result, the Confederacy failed to secure international recognition and succumbed to the superior military, economic, and financial power of the Union.

Mr Billinis is a political science lecturer at Clemson University and an esteemed writer on subjects related to the Greek Merchant Marine, the Greek Diaspora, the Balkans, and Byzantium. With a Juris Doctorate in international law from American University and a master’s degree in history, Mr Billinis brings a multidisciplinary approach to his research.

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday, June 29, 7pm
  • How: Livestreamed on the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Facebook and YouTube.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas admits Rafael Nadal inflicted a ‘painful’ humiliation on him, but he’s happy he did

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his 2019 Australian Open defeat to Rafael Nadal, admitting it was a ‘painful’ experience. Tsitsipas knocked Roger Federer out...

Six olive groves to visit in Australia

With summer around the corner, the perfect activity to get you out in the sun is to go olive picking!

Steve Maras awarded SA Life Member of Property Council of Australia

Steve Maras has been announced as an honorary South Australian Division life member of the Property Council of Australia.