In 1878 the national government reduced the local autonomy of the Mani .
The area gradually became a backwater ; inhabitants abandoned the land through emigration , with many going to major Greek cities , as well as to western Europe and the United States .
In 1878 the national government reduced the local autonomy of the Mani , and the area gradually became a backwater ; inhabitants abandoned the land through emigration , with many going to major Greek cities , as well as to western Europe and the United States .