Plombières Agreement

Definition

The Plombières Agreement was a secret political pact established in 1858 between the Kingdom of Sardinia and France, where they agreed to cooperate in the unification of Italy. This agreement was significant as it laid the groundwork for military alliances that would enable Sardinia to lead the charge in Italian unification efforts, ultimately resulting in the creation of a unified Italian state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Plombières Agreement was primarily negotiated by Count Cavour and French Emperor Napoleon III, highlighting the strategic alliance between Sardinia and France against Austria.
2. As part of the agreement, France promised military support to Sardinia in exchange for territorial gains in Nice and Savoy.
3. The secret nature of the Plombières Agreement reflects the clandestine diplomacy common at the time, as it was not made public until later years.
4. The success of the Plombières Agreement was evident during the Second Italian War of Independence, where French forces assisted Sardinia in its campaign against Austrian control.
5. This agreement is considered one of the pivotal moments leading to the eventual unification of Italy, illustrating how international alliances played a crucial role in national movements.

Review Questions

• How did the Plombières Agreement influence Sardinia's military strategy during the Second Italian War of Independence?
  • The Plombières Agreement significantly influenced Sardinia's military strategy by securing French military support against Austria. With this backing, Sardinia could confidently engage in warfare without fearing overwhelming odds. The collaboration allowed for more coordinated attacks and strategic planning, which were essential in achieving key victories that advanced Italian unification.
• Evaluate the impact of the Plombières Agreement on the broader Risorgimento movement.
  • The Plombières Agreement had a profound impact on the Risorgimento movement as it not only united Sardinia and France against a common enemy but also energized other Italian states to join in the quest for unification. By showcasing successful collaboration and military victories, it inspired a sense of nationalism across Italy. This paved the way for subsequent alliances and revolutions that were instrumental in consolidating Italy as a unified nation.
• Discuss how secret agreements like the Plombières Agreement reflect the complexities of diplomacy during the 19th century.
  • Secret agreements such as the Plombières Agreement illustrate the complexities of 19th-century diplomacy, where nations often engaged in clandestine negotiations to protect their interests and strategize against common threats. These backdoor deals allowed states like Sardinia to gain critical allies while managing public opinion and national pride carefully. The reliance on secrecy indicates a period marked by mistrust and intrigue, shaping how alliances were formed and conflicts were approached during this transformative era.

Related terms

Count Camillo di Cavour: The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia who played a crucial role in orchestrating the unification of Italy and was a key figure behind the Plombières Agreement.

Second Italian War of Independence: A conflict that took place in 1859, where Sardinia, with French support due to the Plombières Agreement, fought against Austria to gain control over northern Italian territories.

Risorgimento: The social and political movement in Italy that aimed for the unification of various states and territories into a single nation, with significant events occurring in the mid-19th century.