1904 Naples Riots

Photo by Giuseppe Primoli in August 30, 1904

Combatants| Government of the Kingdom of Naples* Pro-Government Militias
* French Empire (political support)
* Sanfedismo (minority)

Commanders| **Moderate*** Eugenio I

**Radical*** Sidney Sonnino

The **1904 Naples Riot**, otherwise known as **Le Insurrezione** were a series of political unrest and mass civil disobedience in the Kingdom of Naples. Caused by Prime Minister Sidney Sonnino's controversial actions, civil unrest in Naples became increasingly prevalent. Grenade attacks by the republican group "UL" and sympathy from local militia escalated tensions.

King Eugenio I summoned Sonnino to negotiate, but he refused, leading to a violent crackdown. Opposition forces called for Sonnino's removal, and Pietro Rosano became Prime Minister. Sonnino's treachery to restore the Bourbon monarchy failed, and King Eugenio led the army to restore order.

## Events

### Protest and Crackdown

In the tumultuous year of 1904, several Republican protesters assembled around one corner of the Piazza del Plebiscito. The main objective of the demonstration was to support the passing of a reform bill. However, several exaggerated reports about the incident is reported to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Sidney Sonnino, representing the Conservative Party, undertook a series of controversial actions alongside the police chief, sparking a chain of trials and arbitrary arrests targeting republican groups. The epicenter of this unrest was Naples, where the republican cell known as "UL" (Union and Freedom) initiated the first clashes by hurling hand grenades at government offices along the Toledo road. As tensions escalated, a contingent of local militia soldiers began to sympathize with the demonstrators, leading to internal strife.

Fearing an escalation of the crisis, King Eugenio I summoned Prime Minister Sonnino, urging him to negotiate with the protesters and abandon the contentious trials. In response, Sonnino took a resolute stance, refusing to engage in dialogue with the demonstrators and vowing to prevent the capital from descending into a battleground.

Simultaneously, the Neapolitan Liberal Party, though not necessarily aligned with republican ideals, rallied behind the demonstrators due to their perception of the trials as unjust. The King, who was residing at the Royal Palace of Caserta during this turmoil, opted to remain there until order could be restored. Castel Sant'Elmo, previously a site of rebellion during the republican uprising of 1799, was once again occupied by the rebels.

### Sonnino's Downfall

Sonnino's response was marked by a violent crackdown, as he ordered the shelling of the crowd, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 lives. In the wake of this brutality, opposition parties and even members of Sonnino's own party implored the King to remove him from office and establish an emergency government with the aim of restoring order and paving the way for new elections, ushering in a fresh constitutional phase.

Fearing the specter of revolution, King Eugenio acquiesced to this demand, relieving Sonnino of his duties and appointing the Social Liberal Pietro Rosano as Prime Minister. Sonnino, who was present in Naples overseeing the suppression, reacted to the news with a fit of anger, tossing papers and chairs in a display of frustration. Seizing upon his removal, Sonnino sought to align with Bourbon agents with the aim of reinstating the exiled Bourbon monarchy, a move met with skepticism by Ferdinand Pius of Bourbon, who did not take it seriously, particularly given the risk of provoking France into conflict should a Sicilian intervention occur in the Kingdom of Naples.

Meanwhile, King Eugenio orchestrated the mobilization of the army to march on Naples, aiming to restore order to the beleaguered city. A lengthy procession from Caserta to Naples ensued, with deputies and senators accompanying the King to underscore the potential for a more liberal and democratic phase to follow the crisis.

Upon learning of the King's impending return and the loyalist troops accompanying him, the bulk of the rebels began to disperse. Only the most radical elements remained, barricading themselves within Castel Sant'Elmo. Ultimately, these die-hard defenders were subjected to a relentless siege and bombardment by loyalist forces, leading to their defeat and the restoration of order in Naples.

## Historical Assessment

Political analysts and historians from various angles diligently studied the developments, offering several theories and hypotheses to explain the causes and effects of the riots. Most of which attempted to shed light on the unprecedented behavior of Prime Minister Sidney Sonnino and the underlying motives for the unrest.

### Blackmail Theory

One notable observation made by historians was the uncharacteristic behavior displayed by Sidney Sonnino, who was renowned for his typically calm and shrewd demeanor. Sonnino's sudden departure from his usual self raised suspicions, leading to the formulation of the "Blackmail Theory." According to this theory, it was speculated that Prime Minister Sonnino had fallen victim to blackmail orchestrated by a Sicilian spy with whom he was alleged to have had an intimate relationship. Although concrete evidence supporting this theory remained scarce, there were cryptic notes in Sonnino's diary that seemed to allude to this possibility.

### Sanfedismo Collusion

Another perspective put forth by certain sources suggested that Sidney Sonnino might have colluded with the Sanfedismo, a movement with its own historical significance in Naples. Proponents of this theory pointed to a notorious telegram sent from Sonnino to Ferdinand Pius and an enigmatic letter exchanged between a member of the Sanfedismo and one of his associates. These pieces of correspondence raised suspicions of clandestine collaboration between the Prime Minister and the Sanfedismo.

However, it is important to note that this theory was met with skepticism and largely debunked by many experts in the field. While the telegram and the letter hinted at some form of communication, conclusive evidence linking Sonnino to the Sanfedismo remained elusive. Nevertheless, the theory served as a reminder of the intricate web of political alliances and intrigue that often characterizes historical events.