#historical factor

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The Italian Revolutions of 1848-1849

After the election of the new pope, Pius IX, the control of the new government of the Papal states had been lost. 

A riot during festivities of Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia, became the first place for European revolutions during January 1848. 

Hoping to contain the political protests, the King of Naples conceded a constitution, which Tuscany, Piedmont and the Pope followed.

However, revolutions took a big turn after overwhelming Vienna. Venice was faced by militant protests and Milan faced popular insurrection, forcing the Austrian forces to temporarily retreat. 

With Austria temporarily gone and unable to protect, Piedmont declared war on Austria in order to liberate Lombardy. However, the pope denounced the war.

On May 15, King Ferdinand II of Sicily ordered his army to fire at the delegates at the opening ceremony of the new parliament in Naples and suspended the constitution. 

After Pope Pius IX's election, Charles Albert, King of Piedmont, was convinced that a government of broader freedom was required and granted the constitution. However, he was defeated and exiled by Austrian troops. This caused many to think of ways to take action.

Not many ideas, such as Mazzini's to start a war of the people rather than a war of the princes', and others were popular or supported. The best chance for republicans to take action was when the moderate provisional government set up by Pius XI had collapsed in Rome. Republicans and radicals from all over Italy headed for Rome, causing a republic to be proclaimed on February 1849.

However, the rulers of Naples, Spain and the government of the French Republic sent armies in order to restore the pope to the capital. In the name of freedom and unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi upheld a defense for Rome against the superior French Army and failed. As of July 3rd, the French occupied Rome.

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Revolutions in the 1820's

Upon hearing of news of revolution in Spain, the liberals of Naples were stirred into action. After gaining popular support, a widespread uprising was developed. 

Revolutions occurred in Naples and Sicily, causing King Ferdinand to promise on July 6th to issue a new constitution within a week.

Army officers, students, lawyers, teachers and doctors, who were mostly middle class, patriotic, enthusiastic and daring all were part of the revolutions. 

The revolutions did not only occur in Naples and Sicily. In 1821, Piedmont faced a revolution, and the Papal State faced one in 1831. However, for all these revolutions, Austria kept their defence for the Royalists and protected them. 

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1814, After Napoleon's Defeat Outside of Italy,

Those in Italy had no power as they were squeezed between Austrian and French control. The French empire was collapsing.Napoleon's former chief of police reported that "nationalism was the most powerful political force on the peninsula".

Austria gained control of the peninsula once again and created the Treaty of Vienna, which allowed the previous monarchy rulers to return.

King Ferdinand of Sicily had greatly increased the power of the church, and gave it authority to censor any publications with which it disagreed to. This made freedom of expression impossible and angered the middle class who could no longer speak freely. Ferdinand was also in great financial difficulties, making him cut down public expenditure, halter work on road and harbours, and reduced little educational provisions. There was poverty, corrupt government and restriction on personal freedom everywhere. Additionally, in Sicily, agricultural prices had fallen, the economy had been disastrous, and the social classes were heavily affected, especially the peasant class where became more impoverished and in debt.

The rulers had two aims, to prevent France from any possibilities to gaining control of the peninsula in the future, and to suppress revolutionary or nationalist movements that could endanger the current monarchy. 

There was also a lot of political unrest going around. After many influences, many liberal ideas have been going around.Their moderate, non-violent policy was in contrast with that of the radical, the extremists, who wanted social reforms and a redistribution of wealth and was prepared to use revolutionary means to obtain them.

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Early 1800's, Napoleon's Return from Egypt

After returning, Napoleon's army defeated Austria in May at the battle of Marengo. He created an Italian republic in Milan.

In 1806, Napoleon renamed the republic to the Kingdom of Italy and declared himself as king, causing the Italian peninsula to be under Napoleonic rule, which prioritized France. 

Under this rule,

the power of the church and the pope was reduced

landownership was changed or redistributed

agriculture improved

the bourgeoisie, or middle class was beginning to develop

peasants had to deal with higher prices, heavier taxes, and conscription

The French only wanted raw material and did not want any competition, thus leaving Italy's companies to stay undeveloped.The new Italian middle class had a chance for political discussion and action because of the new constitution. 

A representative government was introduced to Italy and France was split into three parts:

Piedmont, which Austria annexed to France

Kingdom of Italy

Kingdom of Naples that was ruled by Napoleon's brother Joseph, and then his brother in-law, Murat

All of these changes had encouraged Italian nationalism. France had given Italy a sense of unity. at first by force, but later by legal reforms and introducing political changes.

Despite that, there were frequent peasant revolts and most of Italy resented Napoleonic rule by 1809. Popular unrest was caused by conscription and high taxes. Liberals and churchmen formed secret societies against the French.

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April 1796, Napoleon's Army invades Northern Italy

After Napoleon's victories, The French replaced Austria. 

The French Directory occupied Rome and expelled the pope, creating the Roman Republic. Many other Italian republics were formed as well, such as the Cispadane Republic.

In January 1799, France had taken over Naples and formed the Neapolitan Republic. 

However, counter revolutionists and royalists (Austrians with Russian help) chased the French out of Northern and Central Italy, causing the republics to collapse. 

Although the republics were short lived, they marked the first time Italy had freedom of speech, causing the first thoughts on Italian independence and unity to be publicly debated.  

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The French Revolution's Influence on Italy

In 1789, the French revolution inspired middle and upper-class groups in Italian cities, giving them the name of "Italian Jacobin". They wanted a democratic government, less powerful church, and a more liberal society. However, the Italian government disliked the Jacobin and was against their goals.