Italy 1789-1815 French Revolution's Effects and Napoleonic Rule Flashcards
(18 cards)
What was ‘Italy’ considered to be in the early 19th century?
Merely a geographical expression rather than a singular state. This is because Italians referred to themselves by their local town, city or region instead
What percentage of the population was peasants?
80-90%
How did the French Revolution affect Italy?
-Inspired liberal and nationalist movements
-Made great changes in Piedmont, but turned its leaders extremely reactionary
Why did the French Revolution have little impact on peasants?
Most were illiterate or had small understanding of anything that happened outside of their own villages. This eventually changed when Napoleon’s invasion occurred.
When did Napoleon invade Italy?
1796
What did Napoleon do to Italy under his rule?
-Made himself King of Italy in 1805
-Introduced many reforms and changes
-Annexed 1/3 of Italy and made it part of France
-Turned North East into the Kingdom of Italy
Why did Austria have so much influence in Italy?
Lombardy was ruled by local representatives of the Austrian Empire
What were the Papal States?
An area of Italy ruled by the Pope which relied on economic support from other catholic countries
Why did the Kingdom of Naples not include Sicily?
It was under British territory
What were the three thirds Napoleon split Italy into?
-1/3 was part of France
-Kingdom of Italy
-Kingdom of Naples (no Sicily)
Why was French rule supposedly traumatising from Italian view?
The brutality and irreligion of France
What did the Italians hate about Napoleonic rule?
-Conscription
-High taxes
-French brutality
What did Napoleon do to the Papal States?
He basically got rid of it, and the French ruled it instead of the Pope
How did Napoleonic rule support the middle class?
Napoleon brought financial and business advantages
What was Code Napoleon?
-It reformed Italian law and rid of old Italian laws which spanned across the regions
What general changes did Napoleon make it Italy?
-Encouraged Industry (so French could benefit)
-Introduced street lights
-Made smallpox vaccinations available
-Conscripted Italians into the French army
What issues did people have with street lights?
They flickered often and would sometimes blind people, making it easier for criminals and pickpockets to steal
When did French control over Italy come to an end?
1815
