Pergamon History of European Ideas, Vol. 19, NOB 4-6, pp. 575-581.1994 Copyright@ 1994 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in Great Britain. All rights reserved 0191-6599/94 $7.00+0.00 NORTHWEST EUROPEAN INFLUENCES ON EDUCATION IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS 1780-1863 G.N. LEONTSINIS* At the turn of the eighteenth century, the ideas concerning the need for the consolidation and extension of public education in the Ionian Islands was influenced by the rapid development of new social, political and economic ideas. These ideas developed as a response to popular demands for social and political change. The intellectual climate that prevailed in France and Western Europe in general had a great impact on Ionian society. This intellectual ferment was responsible for significant educational reforms in Southeastern Europe. Most significant, perhaps, was the extension of public education to larger numbers of people. Practical results were immediate as a result of the educational policy adopted by the Directory of the Ionian Islands during the period of the first French rule (1797-1799). At the beginning of this period, a ‘Section for Public and Private Education’ had been established, while secondary education with state intervention and support was introduced for the first time into Greek lands. These reforms which aimed at institutional changes in education were linked with the rapid social and economic changes that were taking place on a broader Western European front. It was thought that greater educational opportunities would help substantially in raising the cultural level and in furthering the professional growth of society in the Ionian Islands. The idea that proper upbringing, a respect for education and for cultural values were fundamental to the development of a well-rounded personality was becoming increasingly accepted by the people of Western Greece. Only through such personal growth, it was believed, can a person exploit fully his natural talents. Ultimately these educational reforms brought progress to all levels of Ionian society. In more specific terms, several fundamental factors were responsible for the emergence of more progressive attitudes in the Ionian Islands, One was the influence of Enlightenment with its emphasis on secular learning and the separation of church and state. Another was the general revolutionary spirit of the times, a consequence of the French Revolution with its Napoleonic aftermath. Important, too, was the overthrow of the Venetian Republic by Napoleon. The decline of Venetian influence contributed to a more liberal climate in the region. Finally, there was general acceptance of the idea of progress as a natural and inseparable part of human nature. These factors combined to expand the intellectual horizons of the people of Western Greece. Consequently there emerged popular agitation (albeit somewhat limited by Western standards) for expanded educational opportunities, academic and vocational. G. Motsenigos from Zakynthos, was sent to the Ionian Islands in 1802 by the Tsar Alexander as *Department of Education, University of Athens, 6-8 Valaniou St., Piraeus 18536, Greece. 57.5