peashooter85: The Graham Island dispute of 1831, In July of…
The Graham Island dispute of 1831,
In July of 1831 a volcanic island off the coast of Sicily poked its head above water and greeted the world. A small island, it nonetheless attracted the attention of the powers of Europe, as the island held significant strategic importance, being situated between Sicily and North Africa. One of the main players was the British, who planned to create a naval base on the island. In August of 1831 a British fleet landed, planted the Union Jack, and named the Island Graham Island after Sir James Graham, the First Lord of the Admiralty. Then a Sicilian ship arrived. After removing the British flag, they named the Island Ferdinanadea after King Ferdinand of Sicily. Then a French ship arrived, claiming the island as “Julia” because the island appeared in July.
The situation quickly grew into a tense international dispute as rivaling ships circled the island, each intent on backing up their claims over the new territory. Things grew worse when suddenly Spain submitted their own claim and sent ships to take possession of the island. For months ships from various nations played a game of brinkmanship over an uninhabited rock. Ships and boats of various spectators, tourists, and journalists also surrounded the island to view the spectacle.
On December 17th, 1831, the dispute ended when Graham Island sank below the waves and disappeared.
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