Count Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias was born around 10 February 1776 in Corfu, then under Venetian rule, to a distinguished noble family. His father, Antonios Maria Kapodistrias, was a nobleman and artist, while his mother, Adamantine Gonemis, was a countess from a Greek family originally from Cyprus. Kapodistrias studied medicine, philosophy, and law at the University of Padua and began his medical career in Corfu. He became involved in politics as a minister of the Septinsular Republic in 1799, where he worked to maintain unity among the islands during foreign interventions.In 1809, Kapodistrias joined the Russian diplomatic service, where he achieved significant successes, including securing Swiss neutrality and independence during the Congress of Vienna in 1815. He served as the Russian Foreign Minister until 1822, advocating for a progressive European order, which put him at odds with the conservative Austrian minister, Prince Metternich. Despite his initial reluctance, he became increasingly involved in the Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821.In 1827, Kapodistrias was elected as the first head of state of independent Greece during the Third National Assembly at Troezen. He served as governor from 1828 until his assassination in 1831. Upon his arrival in Greece, he faced a country ravaged by civil wars and economic turmoil. He sought to establish a modern state, implementing reforms in education, military organization, and public health, while also attempting to unify the fragmented political landscape.Kapodistrias's governance was marked by his belief in an enlightened autocracy, as he deemed the Greek populace unprepared for democracy. His administration faced opposition from various factions, particularly from the influential merchant families and military leaders who felt marginalized by his reforms. Tensions escalated, leading to conflicts such as the Battle of Poros, which weakened his position.On 27 September 1831, Kapodistrias was assassinated by members of the Mavromichalis family, who were angered by his imprisonment of their patriarch. His death left Greece in a state of chaos, leading to the eventual establishment of a monarchy under King Otto. Kapodistrias is recognized as a key figure in the founding of the modern Greek state and is honored for his contributions to Greek independence.

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Ioannis Kapodistrias