Wars & Treaties, 1815 to 1914Ponsonby, Arthur Ponsonby, Baron
History
Wars & Treaties, 1815 to 1914
Ponsonby, Arthur Ponsonby, Baron
History, Modern -- 19th century; History, Modern -- 20th century; Military history, Modern; Treaties
Nationality asserted itself in spite of all attempts at repression. But
the Hungarians, in their turn, held the Slav and Roumanian populations
within their borders with an iron grasp and failed to gain their
affection.
THE ITALIAN WAR OF LIBERATION
1831, 1848–1849, 1859 and 1866–1867
Belligerents:
The States of Italy.
Austria.
France.
Cause:
Italy, after the fall of Napoleon, was divided into separate
ill-governed small states, with Venice and Lombardy in the hands of
Austria. The idea of uniting Italy under one Government grew as the
century advanced, and received fresh impetus from the revolutionary
movements in Europe in 1830 and 1848. The society, “Young Italy,” under
the guidance of Mazzini, kept the spirit of revolution alive, although
several insurrections instigated by them failed. The expulsion of
Austria became the central idea of the movement.
Occasion:
The quarrels between the smaller states: the hatred of the presence
of Austria, who, under Metternich’s guidance, desired throughout to
suppress the movement: the decline of Austrian power on the rise of
Prussia: the intervention of France to prevent Austrian aggrandizement
and to protect the Pope.
Course of the Wars:
The revolt in the Papal States in 1831 was suppressed by Austrian
intervention. France also intervened, and the Austrian troops withdrew.
In 1848 Sardinian troops advanced against Austria, but after much
fighting round Verona were defeated at Santa Lucia.
Civil war broke out between Naples and Sicily. Sardinia and Piedmont,
under Victor Emmanuel and his Minister, Cavour, now took the lead.
France became their ally in 1859. In spite of attempts at mediation by
Great Britain, Austria presented an ultimatum, April 23, 1859. Napoleon
III and the Allies won victories at Magenta and Solferino. By the
_Peace of Villa Franca_ in July, followed by the _Treaty of Zurich_,
November 10, 1859, Austria ceded Lombardy but not Venice. Tuscany,
Parma Modena, and Romagna were united to Piedmont by their own vote.
Savoy and Nice were ceded to France.
In 1860 Garibaldi conquered Sicily and Naples. Piedmontese troops
entered the Papal States. By 1861 all Italy, with the exception of
Rome and Venice, was under Victor Emmanuel. In the North war broke
out again. The Italians were defeated by Austria at Custozza, but
after Königgrätz (see p. 50) the Austrians ceded Venice to France, and
Napoleon III handed it over to Italy. This arrangement was confirmed
by the _Treaty of Vienna_, October 3, 1866, between Austria and Italy.
In 1867 France defended the Papal States against Garibaldi’s invasion,
and he was defeated at Mentana. Finally, in 1870, Napoleon III withdrew
his troops from Papal territory, and on September 20th Victor Emmanuel
entered Rome.
Political Result:
All Italy became united under one monarch with its capital at Rome.
Victor Emmanuel was succeeded in 1878 by Humbert, the father of King
Victor Emmanuel III.
Remarks:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account