The First War of Independence Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What event marked the beginning of the insurrections in Venice in 1848?

The Congress of Vienna

A military offensive by Radetzky

Proclamation of the Repubblica di San Marco (correct)

The arrival of Napoleon

Who were the main leaders of the Venetian uprising against Austrian rule in 1848?

Carlo Alberto and Radetzky

Enrico Cernuschi and Carlo Cattaneo

Daniele Manin and Niccolò Tommaseo (correct)

The citizens of Venice only

What strategy did the citizens of Milan employ to initiate their revolt against Austrian taxation?

Ceasing to buy tobacco (correct)

Requesting negotiations with Radetzky

Organizing a military parade

Forming political alliances

How long did the Repubblica di San Marco last?

Seventeen months Signup and view all the answers

During the revolt in Milan, which of the following actions was NOT taken by Radetzky's soldiers?

Using cannons against the population Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the violent revolt in Milan between 17 and 22 March 1848?

An economic strike against tobacco products Signup and view all the answers

Which city was the first to rebel against the Habsburgs during the first war of independence?

Venice Signup and view all the answers

What was the military strategy employed by Radetzky during the Milan revolt?

A swift retreat to the Quadrilatero Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the King of Sardinia to invade Lombardy-Venetia?

Pressure from advisors and allies Signup and view all the answers

What was a concern for Charles Albert regarding the invasion?

Perception as an aggressor in Europe Signup and view all the answers

Which battle marked a significant defeat for the Piedmontese army?

Battle of Custoza Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Charles Albert after the war?

He abdicated in favor of Victor Emmanuel II. Signup and view all the answers

What was a positive outcome of the first war of independence?

The rise of other cities against foreign occupation Signup and view all the answers

What led to the short-lived nature of the uprisings in cities like Florence and Rome?

Austrian re-establishment of control Signup and view all the answers

What conditions did Marshal Radetzky impose after the war?

Moderate government and diplomatic relations with Austria Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Austrian control over northern Italy following the war?

It was firmly re-established. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The First War of Independence

The First Insurrections in Venice
- Venice, still remembering its centuries-long independence, revolted against the Austrian government in March 1848.
- This was led by patriots Daniele Manin and Niccolo Tommaseo.
- The Repubblica di San Marco was proclaimed on March 22nd, 1848 and lasted until August 22nd, 1849.
- Venice's uprising sparked similar rebellions in other Italian cities, including Milan, Parma, Piacenza, and Modena.

Milan and the Five Days

Austrian Garrison
- 14,000 Austrian soldiers were stationed in Milan under Marshal Radetzky, a key figure in the Italian Risorgimento.
The Smoking Strike
- On March 17th, Milanese citizens staged a "smoking strike," refusing to buy Austrian-taxed tobacco, causing economic damage to the Austrian government.
- The protest escalated into a violent revolt with citizens constructing barricades against Austrian troops.
The Battle for Milan
- From March 17th to 22nd, intense fighting occurred in Milan, resulting in approximately 300 fatalities.
- The Milanese successfully drove out the Austrian troops, forcing them to retreat to the Quadrilatero, a system of fortifications.

The Sardinian Intervention

King Carlo Alberto's Decision
- Carlo Alberto, King of Sardinia, decided to intervene in Lombardy-Venetia on March 25th, 1848, despite initial hesitation and fear of appearing as an aggressor to other European powers.
- He lacked significant allies on the Italian peninsula, with the Pope opposing Austria's expulsion due to their close historical ties.
The Sardinian Army's Advance
- The Piedmontese army crossed the Ticino river and entered Milan on March 26th.
- They were joined by volunteer contingents from Naples, Tuscany, and the Papal States.
Initial Successes and Defeat
- The Sardinian army achieved some early victories in the battles of Curtatone, Montanara, and Goito.
- However, Austrian numerical and tactical superiority proved decisive in the battle of Custoza (July 25-26) where Carlo Alberto's forces were overwhelmed.
Austrian Recapture of Milan
- The Austrians recaptured Milan, forcing Carlo Alberto to sign an armistice.
Resumption of Hostilities and Novara
- Hostilities resumed in March 1849, leading to another devastating defeat for the Piedmontese at the Battle of Novara.
- King Carlo Alberto, humiliated by this defeat, abdicated, ceding the throne to his son, Victor Emmanuel II.

Outcomes of the First War of Independence

Positive Outcomes
- The first war of independence saw successful uprisings against foreign occupation in cities including Florence (October 1848) and Rome (February 1849).
Negative Outcomes
- The Austrians reasserted control over Northern Italy.
- The war's outcome returned the region to its pre-war territorial status.
- Marshal Radetzky imposed new peace conditions, demanding a more moderate government in the Kingdom of Sardinia, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Austria, and the disarmament of the Sardinian army.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key events of the First War of Independence in Italy, including the revolts in Venice and the uprising in Milan. Explore the roles of patriots like Daniele Manin and the implications of the Austrian presence in the region. This quiz will cover significant incidents and figures during this crucial period in Italian history.