Is it accurate to describe the revolutions of 1848/49 in Italy as a total failure?
Is it accurate to describe the revolutions of 1848/49 in Italy as a total failure?
During 1848 a series of revolutions swept across Europe and people took to the streets in protest at their rulers, and Italy was no different. In this essay I will be looking at the reasons for the failure of the revolutions in Italy and whether or not they should be seen as a total failure.
There were a number of nations across the Italian peninsula during 1849-49. This was partly because of Italy’s lack of any unity amongst the Italian nationalist groups themselves. An example of this is in both the island of Sicily and in Venice. Local nationalists announce the creation of an independent Venice (the republic of St Mark) and an independent Sicily. This lack of nationality made any kind of attempt to come together in a union for the country extremely difficult, which meant that Italy had a series of different rebellions and protests throughout the peninsula instead of one single uprising.
Another reason for the failings were due to the Pope (Pope Pius IX) refusing to bless the Italian army before battle. This caused great angry for the republicans and weakened morale and the self-confidence of the Italian army. Many republicans condemned the Pope as a traitor to his own people. The Pope became very bitter and implacable enemy of Italian nationalism. Pope Pius then called on powers to help liberate Rome from the ‘Godless republicans’ who have taken control of the ancient city. This resulted in Austrian troops marching forward to help the Pope.
The Austrian troops, amongst others is the next reason I want to talk about
During 1848 a series of revolutions swept across Europe and people took to the streets in protest at their rulers, and Italy was no different. In this essay I will be looking at the reasons for the failure of the revolutions in Italy and whether or not they should be seen as a total failure.
There were a number of nations across the Italian peninsula during 1849-49. This was partly because of Italy’s lack of any unity amongst the Italian nationalist groups themselves. An example of this is in both the island of Sicily and in Venice. Local nationalists announce the creation of an independent Venice (the republic of St Mark) and an independent Sicily. This lack of nationality made any kind of attempt to come together in a union for the country extremely difficult, which meant that Italy had a series of different rebellions and protests throughout the peninsula instead of one single uprising.
Another reason for the failings were due to the Pope (Pope Pius IX) refusing to bless the Italian army before battle. This caused great angry for the republicans and weakened morale and the self-confidence of the Italian army. Many republicans condemned the Pope as a traitor to his own people. The Pope became very bitter and implacable enemy of Italian nationalism. Pope Pius then called on powers to help liberate Rome from the ‘Godless republicans’ who have taken control of the ancient city. This resulted in Austrian troops marching forward to help the Pope.
The Austrian troops, amongst others is the next reason I want to talk about