Treaty of Turin

Definition

The Treaty of Turin was a diplomatic agreement signed in 1860 that ceded the region of Savoy and the County of Nice from the Kingdom of Sardinia to France. This treaty played a significant role in the unification movements of Italy and Germany, as it was part of the broader strategy by Sardinian Prime Minister Count Camillo di Cavour to gain French support in the fight against Austrian influence in Italy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Turin was signed on March 24, 1860, and formalized France's acquisition of Savoy and Nice in exchange for military support against Austria.
2. Count Cavour's negotiations with France demonstrated his strategic approach to Italian unification, leveraging foreign alliances to achieve regional goals.
3. The loss of Savoy and Nice was controversial within Italy, as these regions were seen as historically and culturally Italian.
4. The treaty helped solidify a Franco-Italian alliance, which was significant during subsequent military conflicts involving Austria.
5. The Treaty of Turin is often viewed as a pivotal moment that catalyzed the efforts towards a unified Italy by aligning the interests of various Italian states against foreign domination.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Turin influence the strategies used by Cavour in the pursuit of Italian unification?
  • The Treaty of Turin significantly influenced Cavour's strategies by securing French military support against Austria, which was critical for his plans to unify Italy. By ceding Savoy and Nice to France, Cavour was able to strengthen his position against Austrian forces in Northern Italy. This strategic move reflected Cavour's pragmatic approach, as he understood that external alliances were essential for overcoming internal divisions within Italy and achieving national unity.
• Discuss the implications of the Treaty of Turin on the relationship between France and Italy during the period of unification.
  • The implications of the Treaty of Turin on Franco-Italian relations were profound, establishing a strong alliance that influenced subsequent military and political actions. The treaty not only marked France's commitment to supporting Italian unification but also illustrated how regional interests could align with foreign powers. This alliance would later be tested during conflicts involving Austria, as both nations shared a common goal of diminishing Austrian influence in Italy, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic relationships during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Treaty of Turin on both Italian unification and Franco-Italian relations in the context of European politics.
  • The long-term effects of the Treaty of Turin were significant for both Italian unification and Franco-Italian relations. It laid a foundation for future cooperation between France and Italy, influencing their diplomatic interactions well into the 20th century. Additionally, by facilitating a crucial step towards unifying Italy, it shifted the balance of power in Europe, promoting nationalistic movements across the continent. The treaty also served as an example of how territorial agreements could reshape alliances and conflicts, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected European political landscape.

Related terms

Camillo di Cavour: The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia who played a crucial role in the Italian unification, known for his diplomatic skills and strategic alliances.

Italian Unification: The political and social movement that consolidated various states of the Italian Peninsula into the single Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.

Austro-Prussian War: A conflict in 1866 between Austria and Prussia that played a significant role in shaping the future of German unification, indirectly affecting Italian unification as well.