Kingdom of Naples

Flag of the Kingdom of Naples

Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Naples

The **Kingdom of Naples** (Latin: *Regnum Neapolitanum*) is a French satellite state ruled by the House of Bonaparte.

Under the reign of King Luigi IV, the Kingdom finds itself under the rule of a moderately progressive monarch. However, King Luigi is unwavering in his determination to maintain his authority, resisting the republican and democratic inclinations of the more radical political parties that have taken root in the kingdom.

The French Empire exerts a dominant cultural influence over the Kingdom of Naples, yet this realm boasts a highly organized military apparatus and abundant resources. Thanks to a measured process of industrialization and the emergence of a burgeoning bourgeoisie following the Napoleonic government's arrival, the kingdom has experienced a degree of prosperity, despite the concentration of factories primarily within its major cities, leaving the rural countryside relatively untouched.

Over the years, there have been incremental expansions in the right to vote, yet the franchise remains limited to a select few. After the 1904 Riots, the Kingdom finds itself torn between various factions: anti-French groups fervently advocating for Italian unification, marked by republican, democratic, and socialist tendencies; and pro-French factions that seek to maintain the status quo or gain greater autonomy while remaining within the French sphere of influence.

## History

### Middle Ages

Naples became part of the Byzantine Empire, marking an era of significant Greco-Roman influence. During this period, the University of Naples was founded, playing a key role in the dissemination of education and culture. The city thrived as a crucial commercial and cultural center while maintaining Byzantine influence.

Naples was included in the Duchy of Benevento, governed by the Lombards. This phase brought further cultural and political changes to the region. Prominent cultural and religious centers emerged, and there was prolific artistic and architectural production in the Lombard style.

The, led by Ruggero II, conquered Naples and Sicily, ushering in an era of significant economic and cultural prosperity. During this period, Naples embraced various cultural influences, including Muslim, Jewish, and Byzantine. Norman architecture, with monuments like Castel dell'Ovo, became an integral part of Naples' urban landscape.

## **The Renaissance**

### The Kingdom of Aragon In the 15th century,

Naples came under the dominion of the Aragonese dynasty, initiating a period of profound cultural and artistic revival that contributed to Italian humanism. The Pontaniana Academy became a major center of intellectual and cultural activity in Naples, attracting luminaries such as Jacopo Sannazaro and Giovanni Pontano. These literary and intellectual figures made a marked difference in the cultural renaissance of the city.

### Spanish Rule In the 16th century,

Naples was absorbed into the Spanish Empire. This period witnessed remarkable artistic development, with the arrival of renowned artists like Caravaggio, who made significant contributions to Neapolitan art. However, there were also periods of political instability and religious tensions that culminated in the Wars of Religion, leaving an indelible mark on Neapolitan society and culture.

### Bourbon Rule In the 18th century,

The Bourbons ruled the Kingdom of Naples for much of the period spanning from 1734 to 1799. This French-origin dynasty brought about a series of political and cultural changes in the kingdom. Bourbon rule brought about greater political stability to the region. Naples experienced a period of economic prosperity, encouraging trade, agriculture, and industry. The Bourbon administration sought to modernize infrastructure and promote economic well-being. During their governance, the Bourbons introduced various administrative reforms to enhance the efficiency of the state apparatus. This included the organization of a more modern legal system and the streamlining of governmental institutions. Naples, under Bourbon rule, became a significant cultural center. The Bourbons actively promoted arts and culture, supporting the creation of iconic architectural works such as the Teatro di San Carlo and the Royal Palace of Naples. These artistic endeavors played a pivotal role in shaping Naples' cultural heritage. Additionally, new educational and cultural institutions were established, including the Academy of Sciences, fostering the development of education and culture in the city.

   However, despite these positive aspects, the Bourbon government in Naples was not immune to criticism and tensions. Growing discontent among lower social classes and increasing ideas of liberalism and nationalism came to the forefront. These feelings of political and social dissatisfaction eventually culminated in the 1799 uprising, leading to the short-lived establishment of the "Parthenopean Republic" and the end of Bourbon rule in the region. During its brief tenure, the Parthenopean Republic aimed to introduce progressive reforms, including the promulgation of a constitution and the abolition of feudalism. However, the republican government faced resistance from European monarchic powers who were concerned about the spread of democratic and liberal ideals.

In June 1799, the Parthenopean Republic was suppressed by monarchic forces, and King Ferdinand IV of the Bourbons regained control of the region with the assistance of the Austrian army. This Bourbon restoration marked the end of the Parthenopean Republic and the resumption of their absolute rule over the Kingdom of Naples. Despite its short existence, the Parthenopean Republic is considered a significant moment in the history of independence and the struggle for civil rights in the region.

## **Napoleonic Era**

*This is about the Coalition Wars*

The Kingdom of Naples, located in Southern Italy, was a key theater of conflict during the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its strategic position and shifting alliances made it a focal point of military operations, and its fate was closely tied to the ambitions of Napoleon Bonaparte and the broader European struggle for dominance. At the outset of the Napoleonic Wars, the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by the Bourbon monarchy under King Ferdinand IV. Naples was a part of the larger Bourbon Kingdom of Two Sicilies, which included the island of Sicily.

In 1796, French revolutionary forces, led by General Napoleon Bonaparte, began to exert their influence in Italy. By 1798, they had gained control of Naples, forcing Ferdinand IV to flee to Sicily. The French established the Parthenopean Republic in Naples, which lasted until 1799 when the Bourbon monarchy was briefly restored. In 1806, as part of his broader plans in Italy, Napoleon reestablished the Kingdom of Naples as a French client state. He installed his brother, Joseph (Giuseppe) Bonaparte, as King of Naples. This marked the beginning of the Kingdom of Naples' direct involvement in the Napoleonic Wars as a French satellite state.

Under Giuseppe Bonaparte's rule, Naples underwent significant political, economic, and social reforms influenced by the principles of the French Revolution. These changes included the introduction of the Napoleonic Code, land reforms, and modernization of the administration. While some Neapolitans supported the French reforms, a significant portion of the population resisted French rule. The Sanfedismo, often led by local nobility and clergy, culminated in the popular uprising known as the "Neapolitan War" in 1808. The British also provided support to anti-French forces.

The Kingdom of Naples became a battleground between French and anti-French forces. After the Treaty of Madrid, Naples is formally recognized as under the French sphere of influence

## Post-War Era

### The Foundation of the New Kingdom of Naples

Following the Napoleonic Wars, the Kingdom of Naples was entrusted to Giuseppe Bonaparte, who initiated a transition towards a liberal constitutional monarchy. Luigi de' Medici, an influential Southern politician, was appointed as the prime minister. The initial reforms focused on modernizing the administration and opening up new economic opportunities. However, the right to vote remained limited to a small elite.

### Administrations

Under the leadership of Michele Ricciardi as prime minister, the Kingdom of Naples experienced a period of economic growth. Ricciardi introduced legal and civil reforms to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the legal system. A growing movement emerged to expand the right to vote, although the elite retained political control.

The government of Carlo Filangieri, a general and his economy minister, contributed to the industrialization of the kingdom. Railways were constructed, and the textile and steel industries experienced rapid growth. However, economic growth experienced a setback in the 1830s, leading to social tensions. The authoritarianism of Filangieri repressed any social achievement and he centralized the powers within himself, while maintaining the constitution and parliament.

###### Mid Century

The 1840, the King Giuseppe Bonaparte dies peacefully in his bed. His funeral was not well attended because, especially the poorer sections of the population, still perceived him as a foreign monarch. He was buried in Largo di Palazzo (today Piazza del Plebiscito). Given the lack of male heirs, as established by Napoleon, the throne passed to his brother Louis Bonaparte who became King Luigi III. In the 1840s, after some revolts in Naples, the government of Carlo Filangieri falls, so the government of Francesco Jerace, a skilled politician from Calabria, faced increasing demands for democratic reforms. Protests and calls for universal suffrage grew louder. Jerace implemented labor reforms and worked towards greater political participation. From 10% of the population, now 30% could vote.

After only 6 years of reign, Luigi III died. He was succeeded by his son Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (Carlo Ludovico I).

In the decade from 1860 to 1870, the Kingdom of Naples was plagued by a profound economic crisis. The economic growth of previous years experienced a downturn, leading to increased unemployment and a contraction of the industrial sector. The conditions of the working classes significantly worsened, resulting in escalating social tensions. In response to this economic crisis, the central government in Naples, led by the government of Pietro Calà Ulloa and Giuseppe Pisanelli adopted drastic measures. After the retirement of Ulloua, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giuseppe Pisanelli, the Kingdom of Naples established authoritarian governments to maintain public order and address the economic crisis. Stringent laws were enforced to suppress protests and strikes.

## Era of Reforms

During the transformative decade spanning from 1870 to 1880, the Kingdom of Naples experienced profound political and urban developments. Among the pivotal figures shaping this period was Luigi Settembrini, a prominent southern politician renowned for his social and economic reforms and later by Sigismondo Castromediano, an important progressist political pigure:

Under Settembrini's and Sigismondo's leaderships, the Kingdom of Naples underwent a series of remarkable transformations, including:

* Agrarian Reforms: Settembrini initiated legislation aimed at rectifying land distribution disparities, seeking to address the longstanding inequities in land access.
* Labor Laws: New regulations were introduced to govern working conditions, affording greater protection to laborers and imposing restrictions on working hours.
* Public Education: Settembrini played a pivotal role in expanding public education, making elementary schooling more accessible to the less privileged social strata.

Urban Expansion: Several cities within the Kingdom of Naples, Naples itself included, underwent substantial urban growth. Novel residential neighborhoods were constructed, often designed to ameliorate housing conditions for the working class. The Vomero District in Naples stands as an exemplar of such expansion, where fresh housing and infrastructure initiatives contributed to an elevated quality of life within the city.

Infrastructure and Transportation: The era witnessed an intensified emphasis on infrastructure and transportation development. New roads, bridges, and railways were constructed, fostering improved connectivity between cities and regions across the kingdom.

Nonetheless, despite these commendable reform and progress endeavors, the period was also marred by escalating political and social tensions. Calls for further democratic reforms and increased political engagement gained momentum, culminating in conflicts and instability. Following Settembrini's passing in 1877, the political landscape descended into a state of disarray, caused also by the premature death of Sigismondo Castromediano.

## Modern Era

### Political Instability and the Return of Authoritarianism

The 1880s in the 19th century were characterized by a tumultuous period of political instability within the Kingdom of Naples. During this decade, the region witnessed frequent changes in government and a deepening ideological divide. Emerging radical groups fervently advocated for democratic reforms, seeking to reshape the political landscape. However, the central government in Naples, under the leadership of the conservative Sidney Costantino Sonnino, responded with a heavy-handed approach, marked by repression and opposition to these calls for change.

The result of this protracted struggle was a prolonged phase of political stagnation, where neither side was able to decisively shape the course of the nation. This era of uncertainty and polarization left the Kingdom of Naples in a state of flux, with its political future hanging in the balance.

### Riots of 1904

*This is about the 1904 Naples Riots*

In 1904, after a peaceful demonstration, Prime Minister Sidney Sonnino, a representative of the Conservative Party, initiated a series of trials and arbitrary arrests against republican groups in the Kingdom of Naples. The republican cell "UL" (Union and Freedom) in Naples reacted by launching clashes on the Toledo road, throwing grenades at government departments. Some local militia soldiers mutinied, joining the protesters, escalating tensions.

    As unrest grew, King Eugenio I, fearing further turmoil, summoned Sonnino, urging him to negotiate with the demonstrators and halt the trials. Sonnino, however, refused, vowing to prevent the capital from descending into chaos.

Simultaneously, the Neapolitan Liberal Party, not necessarily aligned with republican ideals but opposing the perceived unfair trials, sided with the demonstrators. The King, situated at the Royal Palace of Caserta, opted to remain there until order was restored.

In a dramatic turn of events, rebels occupied Castel Sant'Elmo, echoing events from 1799 during the republican uprising. Sonnino's response was to shell the crowd, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 demonstrators. Faced with mounting opposition and calls for his ouster, the King agreed to remove Sonnino from office, appointing Social Liberal Pietro Rosano as Prime Minister.

    Sonnino, who was coordinating the crackdown in Naples, reacted with disbelief, reportedly throwing papers and chairs. In a desperate move, he declared the King deposed and attempted to restore the exiled Bourbon monarchy, though this effort lacked support and credibility, especially given the risk of conflict with France in the event of a Sicilian intervention.
In response, King Eugenio organized the army to march towards Naples to restore order. A procession from Caserta to Naples, accompanied by deputies and senators, signaled the potential for a more liberal and democratic phase following the crisis. As news of the King's return and the army's support spread, most of the rebels dispersed, leaving only the most radical elements barricaded in Castel Sant'Elmo. They were eventually defeated by loyalist troops.

### Liberal Restoration

Under the leadership of the new Liberal government, amnesty was extended to the rebels, signifying a commitment to reconciliation and healing within the Kingdom of Naples. However, this spirit of forgiveness did not extend to the leaders of the uprising, who were condemned to face the ultimate penalty—death. Fearing the repercussions of their convictions, these leaders chose to flee, seeking refuge in either Sardinia or the United Kingdom.

In 1921, Luigi I is crowned King of Naples. With Giovanni Amendola at the helm, a transformative era of profound renewal and liberalization commenced. Although there were brief interruptions with other prime ministers during this period, Amendola's enduring leadership has persisted to this day, solidifying his influence and impact on the political landscape of the Kingdom of Naples. However, several figures like Carlo Lodovico opposes his liberal reforms.