La fine del ducato di Parma e Piacenza

Abstract

The end of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza – The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza came to an end in 1859, during the Italian Wars of Independence and the broader process of national unification. After the assassination Duke Charles III of Borbone-Parma in 1854, power had passed to his wife, Louise Marie of Borbone-France, who served as regent for their son Robert I. However, due to the growing influence of the Italian unification movement and the intervention of the Kingdom of Sardinia, the ducal government was overthrown by popular uprisings in the summer of 1859. A provisional government took power, and following a popular plebiscite, the Duchy was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1860, contributing to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Thus ended the independence of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, which became an integral part of a united Italy.

Keywords: Duchy of Parma and Piacenza; Borbone; Insurrection; Plebiscite; Annexation