1815-1848 Revolutions

From 1815-1848 there were a series of revolutions and other events which helped to spark the revolution of 1848. Firstly, nationalists wanted to see Italy united and to drive the Austrians out of Italy, although there was debate among them as to how much of Italy should be united. The liberals sought to establish an Italy with a constitutional monarchy and give the people basic rights, such a free speech. Secondly, in 1815, the Vienna Settlement dictated that the Italian states should return to the ‘ancien regime’ where the old legitimate rulers would be restored. These old monarchs pursued reactionary policies and abolished the Code Napoleon. Once the middle class had had a taste of freedom, they wanted more. In addition, there were
After France was forced to leave it’s territory in Italy under the Vienna settlement, the old autocratic rulers returned and imposed harsh and reactionary policies on their subjects. The revolutions of 1820-21 were the culmination of middle class hatred for their new rulers and desire for a constitution like the one granted in Spain in 1812. These revolutions saw a growth in membership in the secret societies, such as the Carbonari and the Freemasons, who sought to relieve the people of press censorship and the reintroduction of meritocracy. These revolutions eventually ended in defeat, as the Austrian chancellor, Metternich, despised republican ideals and wanted to keep Italy divided and weak. The revolutions of 1831-32 once again attempted to overthrow the reactionary autocrats and to create new Italian states, however once more the rebelling provinces were defeated by the almost invincible Austrian army. Despite the failure of the revolutions, Giuseppe Mazzini encouraged further revolts against the Austrian imperialists and pushed for a united Italy. His creation, Young Italy, helped to educate Garibaldi and pursued nationalistic policies which were crucial in stirring up stronger cries for