3 September 1843 uprising in Athens demands a constitution

Background. During the War of Independence, the Greek rebels had passed a series of liberal and progressive constitutions on which the war's provisional governments were based. After Otto, the second son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, ascended the newly created throne of Greece at age 17, Greek politicians constantly demanded an end to the existing state of affairs. By 1843, public dissatisfaction with him had reached crisis proportions and there were demands for a Constitution. This movement came out into the open on 3 September 1843.

Conspiracy and Planning. Conspirators initially planned action for 25 March 1844, the anniversary of the uprising against the Ottomans. However, they decided to act earlier, at the beginning of September 1843. On the night of 2 September, the conspirators learned that their names were known to the police, prompting immediate action rather than waiting for the original date.

Outcome and Legacy. The revolution succeeded, ushering in the period of constitutional monarchy under the 1844 Constitution and universal manhood suffrage. The assembly designated a constitutional commission, and the constitution was proclaimed in March 1844. The square where the uprising occurred was renamed Constitution Square to commemorate the events of September 1843.