2: The Revolutions of 1848–1849 and their aftermath

What 3 things caused the rebellions?

1) A liberal Pope

2) Economic Crisis

3) General revolutionary outbreak

Causes of the rebellion: A liberal pope

- Freed 2,000 political prisoners.

- 1847 press censorship was limited.

- Introduced a new advisory body (the Consula) to assist him in the task of government.

--> Members of council elected.

- Council elected representatives from outside the ranks of the clergy (more normal people).

Nationalists felt they could trust the pope and all unite under his leadership due to his liberal reforms.

Causes of the rebellion: Economic crisis

- Failed harvests produced food shortages in both rural and urban districts.

- High prices and static wages.

--> If more people are unhappy, more change will be wanted and therefore it is more likely to happen.

--> + Poor people may see the benefit of unification.

Causes of the rebellion: General revolutionary outbreak

- 1848 was the year of revolutions throughout Europe.

--> This removes the obstacle of starting one.

- Revolution struck in Vienna (heart of Austrian Empire) which cased the fall of Metternich.

--> This may have inspired Italians to rebel if he isn't there to crush them.

Year of Revolutions: 1) Sicily

Between January and April, revolutionaries seirzed control of the island.

Their main objective was to secures independence from mainland Naples.

Year of Revolutions: 2) Naples

Revolution in Sicily quickly spread to Naples.

King Ferdinand II was forces to agree to the establishment of a two chamber parliament and the removal of press censorship.

Year of Revolutions: 3) Piedmont and Tuscany

Serious disturbances drove the rulers of both states to grant constitutions in February.

Republican government was established in Tuscany early 1849.

--> No monarchy.

Year of Revolutions: 4) The Papal States

Popular disturbances caused the Pope to grant a constitution in March (a body of law).

Year of Revolutions: 5) Parma and Venetia

Rulers of both states were driven out of their possessions by Austria.

Year of Revolutions: 6) Lombardy

Rising in Milan directed against the Austrian occupation of Lombardy.

Austrian garrison driven out of Milan during the 'Five Days' (17-22 March)

Provisional government set up.

Help sought from Piedmont to continue to fight against the Austrians.

Year of Revolutions: 7) Piedmont

Charles Albert of Piedmont agreed to lend assistance to Lombardy against Austria.

Year of Revolutions: 8) Venetia

Republic proclaimed in Venice on 22 March.

Assembly voted for union with Piedmont.

Why do the 1848-9 revolutions fail?

1) Charles Albert Poor leadership.

2) Papal Allocution.

3) Austrian strength.

Charles Albert as a liberal

- Known connections with revolutionary officers in army.

- 1848-9 granted constitution

- Put 'Bearing arms of Savoy' on the flag to show his commitment to his country.

Charles Albert as a reactionary

- Threatened to attack liberal government in France.

- Tightened already severe censorship laws.

- Put 'Bearing arms of Savoy' on flag to show he is in charge and suggest he owns Italy.

- Asked for armistice, saving himself and left Lombardy in Austrian hands.

Roman Republic: Mazzini's plan

Defend Rome by staying inside ancient walls.

Roman Republic: Garibaldi's plan

Leave Rome, use 'hit and run' tactics in the countryside.

Roman Republic: Mazzini's plans POSITIVES

- For more non-experiences fighters, instructions were easier to follow.

- Motivated to fight in Rome.

- Being within Rome makes publicity in newspapers to get more support from the Great Powers.

Roman Republic: Mazzini's plans NEGATIVES

- Large houses on higher ground surrounding Rome gave opportunity for French to shoot down at them.

Roman Republic: Garibaldi's plans POSITIVES

- Leaving prevents French from taking over houses and having the higher ground.

- Can ambush armies when unprepared.

Roman Republic: Garibaldi's plans NEGATIVES

- May lack motivation if not in the location they are fighting for.

- Instructions could be hard to follow for unexperienced fighters.

- May be the one's caught unprepared.

Roman Republic was a failure

- Garibaldi was devastated by the death of his wife and worked at a candle factory in New York for a year.

- Important nationalists have been killed (Masina, Ugo Bassi)

Roman Republic was a success

- Garibaldi and Mazzini lived

- Garibaldi made defiant speeches (inspired)

- Many young, idealistic nationalists sacrificed (sympathy)

- Priest Ugo Bassi (who was medic for nationalists) captured and hands skinned (austria looks bad)

- British and American embassies gave support to some

What were the 4 key aspects of Garibaldi?

- Bravery

- Dedication

- Inspiring speeches

- Brilliant tactician

Key aspects of Garibaldi: Bravery

- Fought alongside men

- Sense of equality and teamwork

- Expert with sword and pistol

Key aspects of Garibaldi: Inspiring speeches

- 'Wherever we may be...there will be Rome'

- Other countries may notice

- Encourage people to join

Key aspects of Garibaldi: Brilliant tactician

- Defeated Neapolitan army outside Rome and held off the french for longer than anyone expected

- Army would trust him

- Impressive so draws attention

Key aspects of Garibaldi: Dedicated nationalist

- Kept fighting even after the Roman Republic had surrendered.

- Inspired people to have resilience (unlike Charles Albert)