Second War Of Italian Independence

Question 1

When and what was the Pact Of Plombieres?

Answer 1

1858 - France would help Piedmont defeat Austria in exchange for Nice and Savoy

Question 2

Why did this suit France and Piedmont?

Answer 2

France would gain a Southern European Ally and would weaken Austria

Piedmont would gain the wealthy state of Lombardy and grow in influence

Question 3

Why and when did Austria declare war on Piedmont?

Answer 3

(April 1859) - Piedmontese troops had mobilised on Austrian border

Question 4

What happened at the Battle Of Magenta? (4th Jun 1859)

Answer 4

1,100 Piedmontese + 58,000 French vs 125,000 Austrians

Victory for Piedmont + France
(Franco-Sardinian Victory)

Question 5

What happened at the Battle Of Solferino? (24th Jun 1859)

Answer 5

100,000 French + 40,000 Piedmontese vs 160,000 Austrians

Much bloodier battle than Battle of Magenta

Franco-Sardinian Victory

Question 6

Why did Louis Napoleon sue for peace?

Answer 6

High French Casualty Rate and fear of Prussian involvement

Cavour did not consent to this (important)

Question 7

What ended the fighting?

Answer 7

Villafranca Armstice (July 1859)

Lombardy given to France (then given to Italy)
Venetia still under Austrian Control

Cavour resigns in disgrace

Question 8

What ended the war?

Answer 8

Treaty of Zürich (November 1859)

Question 9

What happened to Cavour?

Answer 9

He came back in 1860 (January)