The Annexation of Tuscany and the Central Duchies Flashcards
When was an armistice proposed by Napoleon
8 July 1859
When was the meeting of Villafranca?
11 July 1859
Who attended the meeting of Villafranca?
Napoleon and Emperor Franz Joseph
Why did Napoleon want to sign the armistice? (3)
Felt the National Society government threatened the papacy
Piedmont control of central Italy exceeded the pact of Plombieres.
Wanted to appease French Catholics
What happened on 24 June 1859 which worried France?
The Prussian army mobilised on the banks of the Rhine in support of Austria.
What was decided at the Treaty of Villafranca?
Lombardy would be given to France
The Pope would be the head of an Italian Confederation
Piedmont would not have control of the central Duchies, and their rulers would be restored.
Piedmont could not annex Mantua and Peschiera
How did Cavour react to the Treaty of Villafranca?
He resigned in protest
When was the Treaty of Zurich?
November 1859
What did the Treaty of Zurich mark?
The official ending of the war, and deliberated on the Italian question
What was Le Pape et le Congres?
A pamphlet published with Napoleon’s ideas that the decline of the pope’s temporal power was inevitable
What did Urbano Rattazzi decide was the best course for Lombardy?
To impose a central model of government
What were the problems with Urbano Rattazi’s decision? (2)
Lombardy had already been promised a Constituent Assembly to discuss having a plebiscite.
There was no common language
What percentage of Italians spoke Italian
2%
What happened in Modena, August 1860?
A popular assembly voted for annexation to Piedmont.
Why was the imposition of Piedmontese laws delayed?
Political reasons - Baron Ricasoli argued for the protection of Tuscan customs and legal systems. Tuscany was the exception in this regard.
Who was the foreign secretary of Britain?
Lord John Russell
What effect did Le Pape et le Congres have on Britain?
Pleased the British, made John Russell propose the future of the Italian Peninsula should be decided through the principle of self-determination
What was the plot hatched between the king and Urbano Rattazzi
They wanted to prevent Cavour from forming a new government
When did Cavour return as Prime Minister
21 January 1860
Why did the Austrians object to the idea of self determination?
It opened the possibility of Piedmont annexing the Central Duchies
Who held the power in Tuscany?
Baron Ricasoli ruled as a dictator
How did Cavour plan to fix the votes for the plebiscite in Tuscany?
Corruption, intimidation and bullying
Why did Cavour want the plebiscite?
The plebiscite could pave the way to a conservative political settlement
What choice were the people in Tuscany given on the plebiscite?
annexation to the consitutional monarchy of VE II
a separate kingdom (vague)
In reality, what were the annexations really a result of (instead of Cavour)
The diplomacy and skills of the National Society.
How did the National Society encourage change in Florence in April 1859?
A demonstration in Florence that made Grand Duke Leopald flee, and Baron Ricasoli created a provisional government.
How did the National Society encourage change in Modena and Parma in May 1859?
Peaceful revolutions in Modena and Parma, making the rulers flee
How did the National Society encourage change in Modena and Parma in June 1859?
After the rulers of Modena and Parma, a government led by Luigi Farna replaced them, with all decisions approved by Turin
How did the National Society encourage change in Bologna in June 1859?
Unrest developed, and the National Society moved in to replace the government.
