BACKGROUND & EVENTS The Unification of Italy

The Development of Italy

Italy in 1796 Map shows similar pattern to the 1815 map of Italy. Italy was in the words of Metternich a “ geographical expression” with no obvious attempt at any unity

Italy in 1810 During the Revolutionary Wars Italy fell under French control. All the states were amalgamated into 3 – one directly under French control and the others under Napoleon’s appointees

Italy 1815 following Treaty of Vienna The Congress of Vienna saw the break up of Napoleon’s Italy and the re- establishment of the old divisions. A key element was the influence given to Austria to act as a counter- balance to France.

Lombardy & Venetia The 3 Duchies The Papal States Kingdom of the 2 Sicilies

The Impact of French Rule One positive effect of French rule was the more democratic system of government that was introduced The Catholic Church lost power, wealth, and influence The French presented the Italians with a common enemy – secret societies were formed to oppose them After 1815 these same groups had another enemy – the Austrian empire

Italy & the Vienna Settlement The Congress of Vienna re-established the rulers of the Italian states In many states the French system of government and the changes that were made were undone as the old absolute rulers returned The main change that was made was the level of influence given to Austria

The Revolutions (1820s) Conflict in Spain caused trouble in some Italian states The Carbonari rose up in Naples against Ferdinand & forced him to grant a constitution At the same time trade guilds in Sicily aimed at separation from Naples and drove out the governor A revolution broke out in Piedmont to create a constitutional government. Victor Emmanuel I abdicated – Charles Albert took over as regent

The Results of the Revolts Naples – Ferdinand asked the Great Powers (GB, Russia, Austria, Prussia & France) for help Austria sent troops to crush the rebels Sicily – Rebels in Naples opposed the rebels & sent troops to help government forces. Rebels were defeated Piedmont – Charles Felix heir to the throne denounced Charles Albert. Asked for help from the Austrians – Charles Albert fled as troops arrived

1831 Parma and Modena –some idea of driving Austrians out of Italy – rulers fled but returned with Austrian troops to defeat the rebels Papal States – rising intended to dismantle papal rule. The pope fled & a provisional government was set up. Austria sent troops to defeat the rebels