The revolutions of Sicily

The Florios of Sicily

This flow traces the political upheavals surrounding the Florios and the repeated struggle over Sicilian autonomy.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Constitutional promise Constitutional promise from "The Florios of Sicily". Constitutional promise Reform and hope A Sicilian revolt leads to a constitution modeled on Westminster institutions, limiting royal power and promising…

Constitutional promise from "The Florios of Sicily". Constitutional promise Reform and hope A Sicilian revolt leads to a constitution modeled on Westminster institutions, limiting royal power and promising…

Constitutional promise Reform and hope A Sicilian revolt leads to a constitution modeled on Westminster institutions, limiting royal power and promising political reform. The new arrangement reflects local hopes for autonomy and a closer relationship with Britain. Centralization returns Ferdinand I abolishes the Kingdom of Sicily and its constitutional settlement in 1816. Neapolitan officials take control of the island’s administration and customs. The reversal deepens the political resentment that will surface in later uprisings and reshape the trading environment in which the Florios operate.

The 1820 revolt The 1820 revolt from "The Florios of Sicily". The 1820 revolt A renewed demand After the Neapolitan revolution, Sicilians rise in Palermo and demand restoration of their own kingdom and constitution.

The 1820 revolt from "The Florios of Sicily". The 1820 revolt A renewed demand After the Neapolitan revolution, Sicilians rise in Palermo and demand restoration of their own kingdom and constitution.

The 1820 revolt A renewed demand After the Neapolitan revolution, Sicilians rise in Palermo and demand restoration of their own kingdom and constitution. The rebellion reflects anger at political subordination as well as the nobility’s wish to retain authority. Defeat and division Rivalries among Sicilian cities weaken the movement, and the Bourbon monarchy regains control. The restoration makes the island’s political dependence more explicit. The uprising demonstrates that shared opposition to rule from Naples does not by itself create a united political future.

The revolutions of 1848 The revolutions of 1848 from "The Florios of Sicily". The revolutions of 1848 An island in rebellion The Palermo uprising of January 1848 leads to a new revolutionary government and the reactivation of the 1812…

The revolutions of 1848 from "The Florios of Sicily". The revolutions of 1848 An island in rebellion The Palermo uprising of January 1848 leads to a new revolutionary government and the reactivation of the 1812…

The revolutions of 1848 An island in rebellion The Palermo uprising of January 1848 leads to a new revolutionary government and the reactivation of the 1812 constitution. Vincenzo Florio faces pressure to support the movement while keeping his business alive. Restoration and exile Bourbon forces retake Palermo in 1849. Many revolutionary leaders go into exile, and wealthy Sicilians who surrendered are accused of sacrificing independence to protect their property. The defeat leaves the island politically subdued but does not extinguish the ideal of independence, which later resurfaces in 1860.

1812 to 1816

June to November 1820

1848 to 1849