POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN PIEDMONT 1848-59By Megan, as part of revision of the Italian Unification

Charles Albert had indicated, by going to war with Austria in 1848, that Piedmont would play an important role in the Italian unification not necessarily a positive one as their aim was to expand Northern Italy.

Piedmont were the only independent state of Italy and had retained its ‘statuto’ which would be a key part to its development. It was quite liberal and so most revolutionaries were drawn to Piedmont. It became the centre for nationalist and liberal thought.

Piedmont starting to come ‘outside of the box’

Guiseppe Siccardi brought in a series of laws that reined in the power of the Church- they were passed without consulting it.

Separate law courts were abolished Criminals could no longer seek protection from

the Church The right to buy property was limited to religious

groups, including monasteries No. of feast days reduced It demonstrated the determination to modernise

and to assert the dominance of the state over the Church- strong government.

What significant events allowed for the political and economic development of Piedmont

Key Events continued... Count Camillo Cavour was assigned as Minister of

Trade and Agriculture (1850) and then PM by Massimo D’Azeglio (1852) quite enthusiastic

He was an ambitious politician and a major figurehead for Italy in the process of unification

Responsible for economic development in that he formed links with other countries in trading and the way he moved Piedmont forward technologically with building of railways, canals and several industries of silk, wool and cotton-textiles!

Also Minister of Finance in 1851

Furthermore... Cavour encouraged the growth of Piedmont

and this meant the state gained a reputation for stability and was seen to be a potential natural leader in the peninsula

The ‘connubio’ – agreement between Urbanio Ratazzi and Cavour that created a precedent for managing parliamentary affairs through bribery, corruption and tactical alliances- gains control on things. The shared anti-clericalism could perhaps diminish Church power then also Austrian dominance.

This development in Piedmont highlighted the industrial progression with other states and in turn had economic benefits. However, with the massive debt of 725 million lire it could be suggested that this change was also negative.

But, politically, Cavour a dedicated, powerful leader, Piedmont was positively changed for the better. Also, there was realisation that Italy becoming united could be made possible by Piedmont’s involvement with the many new systems brought in there.

Conclusion

What did he do to bring Italy closer to the idea of unity

Count Cavour- his role in the Italian Unification

When the constitution was created parliamentary ministers could push for more liberal reforms that transformed Piedmont into a prosperous state.

This was due to Cavour’s work. Secularisation was inseparable from the

modernisation of Piedmont. King Victor Emmanuel allowed Piedmont to join

the Crimean War in 1854 supporting Britain and France. Foreign policy took new priority in politics as this step was vital in the look towards Italian independence.

Cavourian Decade

Though Cavour really believed the real enemy was Austria not Russia, the Piedmontese gained respect and gratitude from the other powers. Also a place at Congress of Paris showed that Piedmont’s diplomatic stature was growing and allies for the future.

As Austria isolated themselves from the war- neutral they lost the right to ask for help later on.

Relations between France and Piedmont were established being a potential foreign influence. This step was vital to the unification and as Napoleon had already shown sympathy towards the Italian cause. But more so he wished to expand France.

Crimean War consequences

Attempted Assassination 14th Jan 1858 Orsini did try to kill Napoleon but

failed and at his trial appealed to the leader to help the Italians. Therefore a meeting resulted from this at Plombieres on 20th July 1858.

The meeting agreed a war to be provoked against Austria but Napoleon wanted to ensure no more assassination attempts. The power of Austria had to be weakened with French troops provided only if Piedmont succeeded in provoking a war.

Plombieres Meeting Not only was the assistance in the war

agreed but also the following:- Kingdom of Upper Italy to be created to

cover provinces of Piedmont, Lombardy + Venetia and the duchies.

- The creation of an independent federation consisting of the different kingdoms, Papal States presided over by the Pope.

- In return for France’s involvement they would receive Nice and Savoy.

Bringing about the warA proclamation was made on 12th Dec 1859 which spoke in nationalistic language being deliberately provocative. Nonetheless it wasn’t until mobilisation started in March that Austria appeared to be threatened. By April they too mobilised an army and sent an ultimatum which issued demobilisation or war!Declared on 23rd April 1859 the promised French troops arrived.

War Against Austria (1859) Two large-scale battles took place, at

Magenta (4 June) and Solferino (24 June) where Austrians were defeated in both but the bloodshed was equally high on all sides.

However, it came a surprise when Napoleon proposed a ceasefire and met with Franz Joseph at Villafranca on 11th July 1859. Unusually, he went ahead with this behind Cavour’s back signing the armistice.

Villafranca Lombardy would be given to France then

to Piedmont but Venetia would remain under Austrian control.

Motive for France to do this was the casualties, though perhaps to speed along the process of expansion.

Cavour of course resigned but returned in Jan 1860 as expansion in Piedmont was happening.

SummaryThe growth of Piedmont presented Italy a potential figurehead for the unification process.Piedmont joining the Crimean War formed positive links with France.Without the French Piedmont couldn’t expand or cause a war against Austria. When it was realised that Papal power was in decline Italy felt closer towards unity. Defeating Austria was in sight with Napoleon’s help as it continued to weaken.Austria couldn’t prevent the expansion of Piedmont and became isolated by not getting involved in the Crimean war. Therefore were weak in negotiations against Piedmont extending their power and Italy becoming one nation.