296 Chapter 3
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
Fatalities changed from Missing.
MID#175
Dispute Number: 175
Date(s): February 18, 1849 to July 1, 1849
Participants: 220 France, 300 Austria-Hungary, 329 Two Sicilies/327 Papal States
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Imposed)
Fatalities: >999 deaths
Narrative: The War of the Roman Republic (1849) followed the year of revolutions
across Europe. The conflict began when Pope Pius IX fled Rome for Gaeta on Novem-
ber 24, 1848, amidst rioting and pressure from republican radicals for a reorganization
of government. In the power vacuum created by the retreat of the Pope, a provisional
government was formed on February 8, 1849, that was led by Giuseppe Montanelli,
Francisco Guerrazzi, and Giuseppe Mazzini. This “triumvirate” was a temporary
expedient amidst the problems of forming a government but was reminiscent of the
triumvirates of the Roman Republic of yesteryear.
When the Roman Republic was officially announced on February 18, it seemed
likely that foreign powers would intervene. The sentiment in Europe, still in the
shadow of Napoleon’s legacy, was predominantly monarchical and support from
the rest of the Italian states (particularly just south in Sicily) was uncertain. With
the Austro-Piedmontese War (MID#19) winding down in favor of Austria, Austrian
intervention seemed certain. In fact, the efforts by the republicans in Rome to enter
into union with the pro-Austrian Duchy of Tuscany basically guaranteed conflict,
which eventually came after the Battle of Novara between the Austrians and the
Piedmontese-Sardinians.
Remnants of Charles Albert’s losing troops ultimately moved south, and the Roman
Republic began building a defense in light of hostile relations with the Kingdom of
Two Sicilies to the south and the pleas from the Pope to the Catholic countries to
return him to Rome.
France took the unexpected lead here. Though pro-Republican itself, the new head
of state (Napoleon III) was under pressure from the conservative Catholic sentiments
that played a strong role in his election. French forces under General Oudinot were
dispatched to restore the Pope in Rome. The Roman Republic ordered them to be
repulsed at all possible costs, though policies in the Roman Republic (reduced taxa-
tion) had deprived the fledgling government of important revenue. The Austrians and
Sicilians joined the French, ultimately routing the Roman forces and forcing surrender
with a truce on July 1, 1849. The papal authority was reestablished.
300 Austria-Hungary/329 Two Sicilies
MID#147
Dispute Number: 147
Date(s): March 1821 to March 23, 1821