Biography of Francesco Crispi

The great dream of a nation

4 October 1818
August 12, 1901
Francesco Crispi was born in Ribera (Agrigento) on 4 October 1818. His parents are Thomas Crispi, grain dealer who has also held the position of Mayor of Ribera twice, and Josephine. Francis, at birth, he was baptized with the Greek Rite according to the traditions of the Holy Eastern Church, because for the paternal line is descended from a family of Albanian origin; his paternal grandfather, in fact, is a priest of italo-Albanian Catholic Church, while his uncle Joseph is a bishop and Rector of a seminary Greek-Albanian. Francis spends a serene childhood in Sicily, Ribera, with his parents. It's a baby jovial, socializing with his peers with whom he enjoys traveling the country.
He attended primary school in Villafranca Sicula and at some time between 1828 and 1835 he studied at the Greek-Albanian Seminary, where for a time he also served his uncle Giuseppe. Two years later, without saying a Word to his family, joined in marriage with Rosa D'Angelo from which he has two sons. A few years later a dramatic event deeply affects Crispi, in fact, his two sons and his wife die. As a result of this tragic event, he enrolled at the University of Palermo, where he devoted himself to the study of law. A little later also founded a newspaper that he directs, "Oreteo. New journal of useful knowledge and literature ". In 1843 earned a Bachelor's degree in law and, being able to practise the profession of lawyer, moved to the city of Naples.
During the riots that erupted in the city of Palermo, five years later back in Sicily and fought alongside rebels who want independence. The insurgents are able to get the upper hand, getting the victory. In this circumstance Crispi joined the Sicilian Parliament and the new provisional Government. On 15 August 1849, however, the provisional Government collapses, because it restored the Bourbon Government. Does not get amnesty, whereby he is forced to leave Sicily for refuge in Piedmont, where making a living working as a journalist. Four years later is forced to leave even the Piedmont, as it is involved in the conspiracy organised by Mazzini and his men in Milan. Find shelter in Malta, where bride Rosalia Montmasson and later in Paris, but was again expelled. On this occasion, flees to London where he welcomes him Giuseppe Mazzini.
Here continues to struggle for a United Italy. Soon back in Italy, where he is fighting again for the great national dream. Traveling incognito in Sicily with the aim of preparing the Sicilian revolt of 1860. Along with Garibaldi and his men, took part in the expedition of the thousand began on 5 may of the same year with the landing in Marsala, Sicily. Finally Sicily is free and Garibaldi has control of the island. Charles becomes the Interior Minister of the Sicilian provisional Government for a short time because of misunderstandings between Garibaldi and Cavour. He soon became the Secretary of Garibaldi and after having contributed to the realization of his great dream, national unity, in 1861 he joined the nascent Italian Parliament. Plays within the Republican party, openly siding in extreme left. Three years later instead supports the current monarchy, asserting that the monarchical form of Government combines Italy, while the Republican form the divide.
In 1866 refused him by Bettino Ricasoli, which is to become part of his Government and the following year trying to make the partisans don't invade the Papal States. In those years trying in every way to intervene to try to curb a possible alliance between Italy and France, which in the early 70s of 1800 is involved in the war against Prussia. It is also conducive to the Government pager Lanza in Rome. In 1873 supports the candidacy of Agostino De Pretis as Italian Prime Minister. Three years later, having climbed left at Government, becomes speaker of the House. Covering this important political office, travel time between Paris, London and Berlin, where they established cordial relations with Bismarck, Granville, Gladstone and other great statesmen. In December 1877 he was elected Chairman of the Board, having to attend a series of events that are taking place in Italy. In January of the following year the King Vittorio Emanuele II dies, that will happen Umberto. During his reign, Charles leads the Italian Government in the name of a United monarchy because the King Umberto is proclaiming King by the name of Umberto I, King of Italy and not by the name of Umberto IV of Savoy.
The relationship with his wife Rosalia Montmasson becomes rougher and soon manages to obtain the annulment of the marriage, which was celebrated in Malta. In the same year he marries Lina Barbagallo, noble woman, part of the Bourbon dynasty, which took years before even a daughter. The opposition accuses him of bigamy, since married both Malta both in Italy. After seventy days of Government, Crispi should tender his resignation. After nine years succeeds again in politics, being appointed Minister of the Interior of the Government De Pretis. In 1889 replaces the latter at the helm of the Government. Very intense foreign policy which is carried out under his rule.
Firstly, after having travelled to Prussia to get clarification from Biamarck on the functioning of the Triple Alliance in which Italy took part along with Austria and Prussia, strengthens relations with the German country. Subsequently strengthens relations with England, already good long afterwards when a Naval Treaty between the two countries. Instead they cool relations with France, because they turn out to be unproductive negotiations toward a trade agreement between the two countries. On the Italian domestic politics, the Government is Crispi adopts a series of important measures, including the reform intended to change the directors of Italian justice, health code and processing of the commercial code.
Until the fall of his Government, which took place on 31 January 1891, he manages to lead the country with the help of the right, not being able to have more the support of the Italian radical party. After the fall of the Government is Crispi and the brief period of the liberal-conservative Government of Di Rudinì, Italy is led by Giovanni Giolitti, a member of the political group crispino. The Government headed by Giolitti does not last long, because these fails to restore public order after the unrest began in Sicily and in Lunigiana and because it called into question during the Roman bank scandal. The Italian public opinion wants to lead the Country again Crispi. His second Government is very conservative and authoritarian, because orders to repress by force the repercussions for workers, to disband the Socialist Party of Italian workers. Ensures the development of Italian industry, supporting in particular the steel sector and that metalworking. In 1895 gets a majority in the elections.
The following year, after the defeat at the battle of Adwa, Italian army reported by Crispi resigns. Despite this he continued his political career and was elected into the College of Palermo, having a great popular support. Because of his poor health, Francesco Crispi died on August 12, 1901, at the age of 83 years.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.