French Influence on Italian Unification (Risorgimento): 3D Gallery

Libertà

An etched and dotted engraving of a political cartoon showcasing “Liberty” being attacked by tyranny. Liberty, or liberté in French, was a main principle of the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The French Revolution and its ideas served as models for Italian revolutions throughout the 19th century; many liberal rebels wanted to free the Italian states from the oppressive rule of monarchs such as Klemens von Metternich of Austria.

Three Colors, One Nation

A bow displaying the three colors of Italy: red, white, and green. The Italian tricolor took inspiration from the French tricolor developed during the French Revolution, which consisted of red, white, and blue. It was an important symbol of unity amongst rebels during the 1830-1831 and 1848-1849 revolutions in Italy and later became the Italian flag.

Emperor of the French and King of Italy

An etched and dotted bulino engraving of Napoleon being crowned emperor. In 1804, Napoleon declared himself the “Emperor of France.” The following year, the Republic of Italy became the Kingdom of Italy when Napoleon declared himself king. Under Napoleon’s rule, many territories in northern, central, and southern Italy were united, and he passed many reforms, all of which would come falling down after his defeat.

From France to Austria

A painting of the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Following Napoleon’s defeat, delegates from Austria, Prussia, Russia, Britain, and France all gathered to deal with the aftermath of Napoleon’s reign throughout Europe, discussing topics such as territorial distribution among the European superpowers and who were the rightful rulers. During this conference, the Italian states, which were under Napoleon’s jurisdiction before, were redivided; many parts of northern Italy were given to Austria while the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily was put under Bourbon rule. Italian rebels aimed to get rid of Austrian influence in Italy during the 19th century.

When France Sneezes…

Party With Lombardy

A political cartoon depicting Piedmont-Sardinia’s annexation of Lombardy. In 1859, France assisted Piedmont-Sardinia in fighting against Austria during the Second Italian War of Independence. After an armistice was signed, Austria gave France the territory of Lombardy, which France in turn gave to Piedmont-Sardinia. This marked the start of the weakening of Austria’s rule in Italy and threatened its role as a European superpower.

If the Boot Fits…

An original drawing from the satirical paper Don Pirlone (Rome, 1848-1849) of a political cartoon showing “England,” “France,” and “Austria,” all trying to fit their foot into the Italian boot. During the 1848-1849 Italian revolutions, Italy was still split into several states; some under French rule, some under Austrian rule. Meanwhile, Britain was lending its support to the revolution. This cartoon shows the rebels’ disdain for foreign influence within Italy and how it would prevent them from from achieving their goal of unification.

The Savagery of Monarchy

An original drawing from the satirical paper Don Pirlone (Rome, 1848-1849) of a political cartoon depicting many sheep bowing down to a wolf. The wolf symbolizes the Bourbon family while the sheep represent Messina and its citizens. At this point during the 1848-1849 Sicilian revolutions, the Bourbon family had taken back Messina and would use that city to reclaim the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies back from the revolutionaries. This cartoon shows how the rebels viewed French influence in Italy: tyrannical and savage.

Small State, Big Voice

A photograph depicting the Congress of Paris in 1856. Following the Crimean War, French emperor Napoleon III invited Piedmont-Sardinia to the table despite it not being a European superpower. This gave them a voice for the first time, which Count Cavour used to declare his opposition to Austrian rule in the Italian states.

Party With Lombardy

A political cartoon depicting Piedmont-Sardinia’s annexation of Lombardy. In 1859, France assisted Piedmont-Sardinia in fighting against Austria during the Second Italian War of Independence. After an armistice was signed, Austria gave France the territory of Lombardy, which France in turn gave to Piedmont-Sardinia. This marked the start of the weakening of Austria’s rule in Italy and threatened its role as a European superpower.

Rome is Our Home

A painting by Carlo Ademollo, The Breach of Porta Pia. The Franco-Prussia War began in July 1870, and France removed its troops from the Papal States and sent them to Prussia to fight. General Raffaele Cadorna then lead Italian troops through a breach in Porta Pia and captured Rome, ending the Risorgimento and fully unifying Italy. Rome would later be declared the capital of Italy.

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French Influence on Italian Unification (Risorgimento)