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Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the economic state of Sardinia when it was inherited by Piedmont-Sardinia?
Which of the following best describes the economic state of Sardinia when it was inherited by Piedmont-Sardinia?
The Statuto of 1848 established that the Catholic religion was the sole religion of the state, and other religions were prohibited.
The Statuto of 1848 established that the Catholic religion was the sole religion of the state, and other religions were prohibited.
False
Who was the first Prime Minister appointed by Victor Emmanuel II?
Who was the first Prime Minister appointed by Victor Emmanuel II?
Massimo D'Azeglio
According to the Statuto, the legislative power is exercised collectively by the King and the two ______ .
According to the Statuto, the legislative power is exercised collectively by the King and the two ______ .
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Match each individual with their relevant role or action:
Match each individual with their relevant role or action:
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Which document is considered the constitution of Piedmont-Sardinia?
Which document is considered the constitution of Piedmont-Sardinia?
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According to the Statuto, the King is responsible to the ministers.
According to the Statuto, the King is responsible to the ministers.
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In which month of 1848 was the Statuto issued by Charles Albert?
In which month of 1848 was the Statuto issued by Charles Albert?
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The Statuto guarantees that individual __________ will be protected.
The Statuto guarantees that individual __________ will be protected.
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Which area saw a notable shift of its center of gravity towards the Italian peninsula?
Which area saw a notable shift of its center of gravity towards the Italian peninsula?
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Study Notes
Piedmont-Sardinia
- Piedmont, a populous Italian state, ruled by Savoy since 1559, inherited Sardinia in 1720.
- Scarce population and limited economic development characterized Sardinia, with a literacy rate of just 10% in 1861.
- Agriculture was underdeveloped, roads were poor, and the state relied on a monarchical system with a bureaucracy, army, and diplomatic service.
- A significant peasant proprietor class (800,000) and a silk industry existed.
- The abolition of conscription and taxes during the Restoration was accompanied by the removal of records of the French period.
- Internal and external customs barriers were re-established.
- The annexation of Genoa, despite resistance from Genoese, shifted Sardinia's influence towards the Italian peninsula.
- The growing dissatisfaction of the urban and middle classes (bankers, merchants, landowners, and teachers) with the government prompted demands for a constitution.
Reforms and Constitution
- Charles Albert granted a constitution (Statuto) in February 1848.
- Victor Emmanuel II upheld this constitution upon his accession.
- Massimo D'Azeglio became Prime Minister in 1848 till 1852.
- Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, joined the government in 1850, first as Minister of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Navy and later as Minister of Finance in 1851.
- Significant reforms in the 1840s laid the foundation for the Piedmontese economy's transformation during the 1850s.
- The government was relatively independent from external pressures (e.g. Austria).
- Free trade treaties were signed, and the Connubio was formed during D'Azeglio's tenure.
The Statuto
- The Statuto was a constitution with 14 articles established in February 1848.
- The Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman religion was designated as the state's sole religion, while other faiths were tolerated.
- The King held considerable authority, including executive power, command of armed forces, treaty making, and appointment of officials.
- The King, alongside the legislative power, sanctioned and promulgated laws.
- The legislative power was shared between the King and two chambers – one with lifelong appointment and the other elective .
- Tax laws required approval from the elective chamber.
- Individual liberties were guaranteed.
- An independent judicial system was envisioned.
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Description
Explore the history of Piedmont-Sardinia from its rule by the House of Savoy to the significant social and economic challenges it faced. This quiz delves into the region's political structure, agriculture, literacy rates, and the eventual push for constitutional reforms. Test your knowledge on this important period in Italian history.
