#religious factor

[risorgimento-blog]

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.

[risorgimento-blog]

The 1840's and Italy

European economics went down during this time, causing popular unrest in Italy to grow.

Revolutionaries took this opportunity to create insurrections, but were unsuccessful. 

In 1846, the new pope, Pius IX, was found to be sympathetic to the reform. He began to work on reforms in administration, education and the law.

In 1847, he ended censorship of the press, by the end of the year, around one hundred independent newspapers were circulating in the Papal State. Political clubs were established in the town. 

Near the end of 1847, the reform in the Papal States was followed by Piedmont and Tuscany, causing a joint custom union between the two states and Papal State to be made.

[risorgimento-blog]

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.

[risorgimento-blog]

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.