Ok, this is my very first shot at any kind of AAR post, so perhaps I've got something (or everything
) wrong...
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A history of Italy, Part I. 1836-1845
When the year of 1836 came about, the Italian peninsula had been in political shadow for hundreds and hundreds of years and even the eternal city of Rome was long from its old glory. Austrians and Spaniards had ruled the lands of Italy for a long time, and those who called themselves Italians could only dream about power or glory.
After the treaty of Vienna, the borders in Italy had been settled, or so the clever politicians had thought, but they had not counted on the courageous Italian hearts. Three major states made up Italy at the beginning of 1836; the kingdom of Two Sicilies, the Papal States and the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont. Also a few minor states existed, while eastern Italy was under Austrian rule.
It was in the nation of Sardinia-Piedmont that destiny would be forged. While but a small state, incorporating only the island of Sardinia and the area of Piedmont, their rulers understood that only when combined could the Italian states reach for their true glory. Their first attempt at unification was a popular vote, but the governments of the other states would not agree. The government of Sardinia-Piedmont then turned to the rulers and governments of the great European powers to gain support for military action. Quick to give their support were the great nations of Austria and France, who provided not only diplomatic support, but also troops.
During a period of but a few months, Sardinia-Piedmont focused on military buildup, drafting loyal citizens to double the national army. Little else was changed in the country during this time, only a few industries were expanded or closed down, and a large education program was funded to improve the literacy of the country.
Sardinia-Piedmont and Western Italy at the beginning of 1836
Negotiations with the other Italian states broke down soon, and Sardinia-Piedmont withdrew diplomatic contact from the other states and a state of war was declared. The vastly superior Sardinia-Piedmontese army, supported by Austrian troops, pushed back the other armies, and the territories of Parma, Modena and Lucca were completely annexed. A ceasefire was agreed later in the year and a few years of stability followed. Sardinia-Piedmont spent this time improving infrastructure in the country, while further expanding the military and expanding existing factories.
Map shows Sardinian gains during the war.
The truce would however prove to be only temporary, border skirmishes triggered another war during 1839, and once again Italian fought Italian.
Four great battles marked this war: the battles of Firenze, Napoli, Rome, and the second battle of Rome. Three main Sardinian forces were sent out, two of whom were transported via the sea. The battle for Firenze was a lightning attack to capture the Tuscan capital, and a superior Sardinia-Peidmontese army supported by French cavalry brought quick victory. Troops also landed in Viterbo and advanced to Rome, where a great battle ensued, with over a hundred thousand soldiers per side. Meanwhile, other troops landed and seized Napoli in the decisive battle of Napoli. Papal troops in Rome however had the advantage of numbers, and seized a close victory. However, Sardinian troops reinforced with an additional four divisions and two french elite guard divisions and struck back against Rome, seizing the eternal city in the second battle for Rome.
With all the Italian capitals under control, Sardinia-Piedmont dissolved the remaining Italian states, and brought them all under one banner. However, it was not the banner of the dual-monarchy, but of a new nation: Italy.
Map shows Italy.
With a new nation formed, there was much to do. Large reforms marked everything from the military to the industry. Democracy was introduced, and for the first time, the citizens of Italy traveled to voting stations and they chose the Moderati party to govern, under the president Tiberio Fabrino, a young man from a village near the river Tiber. Under his rule, many thousands of kilometers of railway was built, covering the whole country in a modern rail network. Factories were built in many states, and several big industries emerged.
Now Italy had seized her place in the world. Across the world, people were impressed by the prestige of this new nation, and experts believed her to be the third most powerful nation in both industry and military at this time and for many years to come.
While strong, Italy could not stand alone in the harsh world of the nineteenth century, and neither did she. In the Austrians and French the Italians had found their brothers. These three countries would soon forge the foundation of the Central Alliance. Austria gave back their Italian possessions to the people of Italy, and in return the Italians shared with the Austrians many of the inventions that had spawned in Italy.
Map shows land aquired from Austria.
Approaching the end of 1845, 25 million Italians lived and prospered inside the borders of the nation, and peace reigned at home and in the world. Yet, on the political horizon, thunderclouds were forming...
