Franco-Sardinian Alliance
3.1168 Franco-Sardinian Alliance
Alliance Members:France and Sardinia (Italy)
Signed On:January 24, 1859, in the city of Turin (Italy). In force
until July 12, 1859.
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:A Carefully Planned Accident,p. 164–168.
SUMMARY
Seeking to free Italy from Austrian occupation, Sardinia sought and
won an ostensibly secret alliance with Napoleon III’s France, by which
the French agreed to provide military support to the Sardinians in the
event of an attack by Austria. The extent to which the defensive pact
remained secret is questionable, however, as it seems likely that the
Austrians suspected French involvement when they demanded that
Sardinia disarm.
Expecting French support, the Sardinians refused the ultimatum,
prompting an Austrian declaration of war on April 28, 1859. The Sar-
dinians issued their own declaration on April 29, and the French fol-
lowed suit on May 3. The alliance met a quicker end than the Sardini-
ans expected, however, for on July 11 Napoleon III negotiated a
separate preliminary peace with Austria without their knowledge.
Alliance Text
Secret Treaty, and which Must Always Remain Secret, between
Their Majesties the King of Sardinia and the Emperor of the
French. [Turin, January 24, 1859]
The critical state of Italy being of such a nature as to foresee
complications which could give Piedmont legitimate reasons to
invoke the support of France, the Emperor of the French and
the King of Sardinia have resolved to consult together in
advance in anticipation of the said eventualities, and, after hav-
ing deliberated upon them, have agreed to the following articles:
Article 1. In the event that, as the result of an aggressive act
by Austria, war should break out between His Majesty the King
of Sardinia and His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, an Offen-
sive and Defensive Alliance shall be concluded between His
Majesty the Emperor of the French and His Majesty the King of
Sardinia.
Article 2. The purpose of the Alliance shall be to free Italy
from the Austrian occupation, to satisfy the wishes of the pop-
ulation, and to prevent the return of the complications which
shall have caused the war and which constantly endanger the
peace of Europe, by constituting, if the outcome of the war
permits it, a Kingdom of Upper Italy of about ten million
inhabitants.
Article 3. In the name of the same principle, the Duchy of
Savoy and the Province of Nice shall be reunited with France.
Article 4. Whatever the course of events caused by the war
may be, it is expressly stipulated, in the interests of the Catholic
Religion, that the Sovereignty of the Pope shall be maintained.
Article 5. The costs of the War shall be met by the Kingdom
of Upper Italy.
Article 6. The High Contracting Parties place themselves
under the obligation not to accept any overture nor any
proposal tending to bring hostilities to an end without having
previously deliberated upon them together.3.1169 Franco-Russian Neutrality Treaty
Alliance Members:France and Russia
Signed On:March 3, 1859, in the city of Moscow. In force until
November 10, 1859.
Alliance Type:Neutrality Pact (Type II)
Source:Imperial Russia: A Source Book, 1700–1917,3rd ed., p. 294.
Additional Citations:A Carefully Planned Accident,p. 168–169.SUMMARY
Following the Crimean War (1853–1856), Russian diplomats began
seeking allies in order to re-establish Russia’s position as a major state.
This goal coincided well with the ambitions of Napoleon III to remake
Europe. By 1858, Russia and France approached an understanding
that their common enemy would be Austria-Hungary, and on March
3, 1859, both countries signed this secret treaty as an attempt to limit
the expansion of a potential conflict on the Italian peninsula. Coordi-
nation in the alliance was relatively high because on the eve of France’s
attack Russian forces were sent on maneuvers at Austria’s border in
order to draw Austrian attention and forces.
The text of the treaty stipulates that Russia will remain neutral in the
coming war (Article 1), but that this neutrality will not sacrifice any
rights Russia may have in the settlement of the war (Article 3). Note
the language in Article 4 that provides for a common diplomatic effort
in order to further isolate Austria-Hungary and limit the expansion of
the war.
The Italian Unification war began on April 29, 1859, and the final
peace was signed at Zurich on November 10, 1859. Austria-Hungary
fought alone against French and Piedmontese forces. The French won
the territory of Lombardy and then ceded this territory back to Pied-
mont. After the union with Naples and Sicily and the conquering of
the Papal States, both in 1860, Victor Emmanuel could be proclaimed
the first king of Italy on March 17, 1861.Alliance Text
Article 1. In case of an outbreak of war between France and
Sardinia—on the one side, and Austria on the other, His
Majesty the Emperor of All-Russia will assume a political and
military position of benevolent neutrality towards France.
Article 2. The high contracting parties will reach an agree-
ment on changes in the existing treaties which, in the interest of
both states, they will seek jointly during peace negotiations.
Article 3. His Majesty the Emperor of All-Russia will not
oppose the extensions of power of the House of Savoy in Italy
provided the rights of monarchs who will not take part in the
war are observed.
Article 4. His Majesty the Emperor of All-Russia and His
Majesty the Emperor of the French agree to explain the situa-
tion, which may arise in connection with the war between
France and Austria, to their allies and to make them understand
that this struggle cannot endanger the interests of great mutual
powers, whose balance of power will not be affected.