Sommario
Storia degli Italiani, vol.
13 by Cesare Cantù delves into the transformative impact of the French Revolution (1789) on Italy, marking a pivotal shift from national evolution to the imposition of revolutionary ideals.
The volume explores the Revolution's universal aspirations for liberty and humanity, which, while initially inspiring, led to widespread upheaval, violence, and societal restructuring across Europe. In Italy, the Revolution’s influence stirred both enthusiasm and fear, as its radical principles clashed with traditional structures.
Cantù details the political fragmentation of Italian states, their military weaknesses, and their varied responses to French influence—ranging from Tuscany’s early recognition of the French Republic to Piedmont’s resistance under Vittorio Amedeo III.