The Revolutions of

Sicily and Naples [January] Tuscany [February] Piedmont [March] Papal States [March] Lombardy & Venetia [March] Political changes [1848]

Pius IX- A Liberal Pope? His early reforms gave hope to liberals Political prisoners were released Censorship was ended A National Guard was formed The Consulta was set up

How did all this affect people? Metternich was alarmed – especially after Pius complained that the presence of Austrian troops in Rome was illegal Pius then suggested a customs union There were demands in other parts of Italy for political change The limited changes that were made only encouraged bigger demands

What were the causes of the Revolutions? Political agitation was heightened by economic problems Poor harvests had led to food riots north and south In the south peasants had lost land to enclosure In the north there was under employment for textile workers The Sicilian Revolt was a protest the cruelty of Ferdinand II

Uprising in Sicily Sicilians unhappy with rule from Naples Rebels looking for autonomy Demand for 1812 constitution Provisional govt set up National Guard established Independence declared ‘King Bomba’ regained control

Events in Sicily triggered demands for concessions in Naples Ferdinand forced to agree because Pius IX refused to let Austrian troops cross his borders Great excitement amongst Italian nationalists! Increasing political activity in other Italian states Conservative constitutions issued in Tuscany and Piedmont – the Statuto Pius IX followed suit but his constitution was very limited

Problems for the Austrians Austrians in Lombardy not prepared to offer reform Tobacco boycott in Milan Metternich sacked  Revolution! Barricades set up in Milan Radetsky withdrew to Quadrilateral Debate amongst Milanese over what to do next Conservatives suggested union with Piedmont

Piedmont goes to war Charles Albert did not like popular movements After some delay invaded Lombardy Joined by troops across Italy including from Naples & the Papal States

The Papal Allocution Pius seemed to be the natural leader Did not want to upset Austria Issued the Allocution Condemned war with Austria & rejected idea of an Italian confederation

Defeat for Piedmont Initially Charles Albert was successful Then situation changed Radetsky won convincing victory at Custozza After an armistice was agreed Charles Albert persuaded to attack again! Result was another resounding defeat at Novara Charles Albert abdicated in favour of his son

Consequences of defeat Charles Albert had boasted ‘Italia fara da se’ – defeat proved him wrong! Pius IX had shown himself NOT to be the natural leader of Italians Those who favoured a moderate political ideology were found wanting – a more radical approach was needed

The Roman Republic Pius IX had reluctantly granted a constitution in 1846 Fled to Gaeta following murder of new PM New government under Galletti passed a number of reforms Constituent Assembly elected triumvirate Reforms continued by men like Garibaldi & Mazzini

The end of the Roman Republic Republic had few friends in Italy Main threat was to come from France Louis Napoleon Bonaparte anxious to win Catholic support Despite heroic efforts by Garibaldi the French were victorious

Why did the Revolutions fail? Austrians too strong Lack of effective leadership Foreign intervention The Papal Allocution Little unity of purpose Lack of popular support