The Italian Congress

Abstract

When allied ministers discussed at Vienna the succession of Charles Albert to the Sardinian throne, Metternich had found himself in a highly embarrassing position. He did not dare admit his secret design to extend Habsburg hegemony over Sardinia. Realizing that anything he sponsored would be resented by France and several of the Italian states, he had tried to hide his real ambition by pretending sympathy for the Prince of Carignan. The dispossession of the heir-presumptive, he had declared, was a false policy, but Charles Felix was adamant. No one, however, was fooled by this smokescreen, and Metternich’s maneuvering became an open secret. Compelled by the protests of England, France, and Russia on behalf of the prince to take a different tack, the chancellor had abandoned his scheme to substitute the Archduke Francis IV of Modena for Charles Albert and had supported the plan of Charles Felix to replace the prince in the order of succession with his son.²

Nature did well provide for our weak state When she raised that mountain screen, The Alps, to guard us from the German rage. O gentle Latin blood, throw down this burden, Rise up from this shame, do not worship a name Empty of all subject. To let a Nordic fury, A savage race, conquer our minds and souls Is our own sin — and that no natural disgrace.–

Petrarch.¹