Biography of Charles Albert of Sardinia

Wavering between liberalism and monarchy

2 October 1798
28 July 1849
Carlo Alberto of Savoy was born in Turin on 2 October 1798 by Carlo Emanuele of Savoy, Prince of Carignano and Albertina Maria Cristina, Princess of Saxony Courland. Does not grow in the odor of United since his family is only remotely related to Vittorio Emanuele I, much to cultivate liberal ideas at the Court of Napoleon from which, at the age of sixteen, receives the nomination of Lieutenant of the Imperial cavalry. But when Napoleon fell, because of the usual and often arcane dynastic ancestry and descent games interspersed with political interests, the Austria through the Vienna Congress identifies what future heir to the throne, does return to Turin to receive education reserved for a Royal Prince.
In 1817 he married Maria Theresa of Austria: wedlock are born Vittorio Emanuele, Ferdinand and Maria Cristina. In the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia takes to attend and to sympathize with the Piedmontese Liberals of the aristocracy, by coming into contact with the insurrectionary movement which comes to share programs of revolt (except in disimpegnarsene right in the moment of action). Meanwhile, in 1821, the riots explode causing Victor Emmanuel to abdicate. For the temporary absence of the heir to the throne, Charles Felix, King assigns the Regency to Carlo Alberto which allows for Piedmont to the coveted Constitution.
But Carlo Felice, sharply contrary to that decision, it repudiates the inheritance law forcing it-lose-to align with his positions and those of the Holy Alliance, positions involving the "monarchical absolutism" and armed intervention against the Liberals. To lend credibility to its commitment, Charles Albert in 1823 he enlists and starts with the expedition of Spain to repress popular movements. VA Meanwhile gaining him the conviction that for the achievement of national independence, the priority is defeating Austria and definitively, ascended the throne in 1831-first ruler of Savoy-Carignano branch-acts accordingly to prepare the entry into war, repressing internal motions also "Young Italy" by Mazzini (1833 and 1834), but also introducing some significant reforms in the direction of greater dignity of citizens as the new municipal, provincial laws in respect of Justice and freedom of religion, as well as encourage economic development.
The advent to the pontificate of Pius IX and the wave of social innovations causes it to adjust its policy in a more liberal and much hesitation, on 4 March of 1848 granted the Constitution, which will be called "Statuto Albertino", and that causes an explosion of popular enthusiasm. In Europe Meanwhile the revolutionary turmoil explodes: you are erecting barricades in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, in Palermo. On March 23, shortly after the insurrection of the five days of Milan, anti-Austrian war of independence began opening hostilities with Austria, surrounded by the consensus of all Patriots: having recorded a series of victories, he was heavily defeated at Custoza by field marshal Radetzky. On 9 August signs the Armistice of Salasco, but in March of the following year resumes hostilities. Again and finally defeated in Novara, deeply saddened and disheartened, abdicates in favor of his son Victor Emmanuel II and, with the title of count of Barge and only two servants, part in voluntary exile in Oporto. Here, only a few months later, Charles Albert of Savoy goes off on 28 July 1849, at the age of 50 years. Sandwiched between attachment to monarchy and liberal infatuations, Carlo Alberto has reigned in the sign of indecision.
His life is marked by positions taken and then denied: liberal with Napoleon, monarchical with Vittorio Emanuele; new liberal with the granting of the Constitution, and then again monarchical in Spain. The same declaration of war against Austria, which apparently responds to popular instances, probably conceals only her desire to acquire greater prestige to the dynasty. But what has definitively branded a negative figure of Carlo Alberto was just the conflict with Austria during which twice, he has not been able to move with determination and take advantage of the favorable moments to him to resolve the conflict, allowing the enemy to regroup until final victory. This trend faltering earned him the nickname "King" Stutters ".
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.