The recent history of Kasos is characterized by periods of prosperity as well as by major catastrophes. From early times the inhabitants of this barren island turned to the sea and succeeded in enhancing Kasos as a flourishing maritime and mercantile centre. In the second half of the 17th century Kasos had 80-100 sailing ships, whose activities brought home significant profits. By the early 19th century, the Kasiot fleet of trading vessels numbered some 700, which were later turned into warships for the needs of the Greek Struggle for Independence.
1818: Kasos becomes a member of the Philike Hetaireia (Friendly Society).
1821: Kasos has a population of about 8,000. In April, revolutionary activity commences. In July, the Kasiot fleet 
fights for the liberation of Crete, and Kasos become a refuge for many Cretan civilians. It is then that the Egyptians decide to destroy the island.
1824: The Destruction of Kasos. The Egyptians invade the island, which is looted, ravaged and left deserted for a long period of time.
1829: Kasos temporarily under Greek governance. Those Kasiots who survived the destruction begin gradually to return to the island, whose economy is based on the few ships that have remained.
1830: After the end of the Greek War of Independence, Kasos remains under Ottoman rule, under the terms of the London Protocol.
1843: The Kasiot merchant fleet numbers over 75 ships.
1859: Many Kasiots emigrate to Egypt, to work on the construction of the Suez Canal.
1866: A new wave of emigrants from Kasos to Egypt.
1890: The countdown begins for the Kasiot sailing ships, after the development of stream-powered ships.
1908: Greek labourers on the Suez Canal found the “Phoenix” Mutual Assistance Society, which operated with the 
participation of many Kasiots, until 1918.
1912: The Italians capture Kasos, which was until then under Ottoman Occupation.
1914: World War I. Thriving Kasiot shipping suffers great losses in ships and manpower.
1919: 27 July. Venizelos-Tittoni Accord. Italy resigns her rights in the Dodecanese. Only Rhodes remains under Italian Occupation.
1920: July. The new Italian government headed by Giolitti denounces the agreement. 10 August. Treaty of Sevres on the Dodecanese. This treaty was to come into force after Turkey’s ratification of the Peace Treaty of Serves, something which never happened.
1923: Second period of Italian Occupation.
1945: The British in provisional control of the Dodecanese.
1947: The Dodecanese are liberated from the Italians and incorporated in Greece. The liberation is due to the many years of activity of the Central Executive Committee of Dodecanesian Unions, which was founded in Alexandria in 1923. On 7 March the Unification of Kasos with Greece is 
celebrated.
2001: The population of Kasos, once 12,000 in its heyday, is now only about 1,080.