What was Italian irredentism in Savoy?

Italian irredentism in Savoy was a political movement active from 1860 until World War II. It was driven by Savoyards who considered themselves to have ties with the House of Savoy dynasty and promoted annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.

What was the historical significance of Savoy in relation to the House of Savoy?

Savoy was the original territory of the Duke of Savoy, who eventually became the King of Italy. Since the Renaissance, the House of Savoy had ruled over Piedmont, with Chambéry serving as its regional capital.

What was the official language of Savoy prior to its annexation by France?

The official language of Savoy had been French since the 15th century. A notable figure from the region, Vaugelas, became a renowned French linguist.

How was Savoy administratively divided before its annexation?

Savoy was divided administratively into several provinces: Savoie Propre (centered in Chambéry), Chablais (centered in Thonon), Faucigny (centered in Bonneville), Genevois (centered in Annecy), Maurienne (centered in Saint Jean de Maurienne), and Tarentaise (centered in Moûtiers).

When and how was Savoy annexed to France?

In the spring of 1860, Savoy was annexed to France following a referendum. However, this process was met with opposition from a segment of the Savoyard population.

What were the results of the 1860 referendum on annexation to France, and what concerns were raised?

The announced vote count for the referendum was 130,839 in favor of annexation to France, with only 235 opposed and 71 void. These figures led to criticisms about questionable support and allegations of vote-rigging, suggesting the results did not fully represent the population's will.

What were the alternative preferences expressed by some Savoyard populations regarding their political future in 1860?

Some Savoyard populations, particularly in the northern regions like Maurienne and Tarentaise, favored maintaining the status quo. Others in areas such as Genevois, Faucigny, and Chablais indicated a preference for annexation by Switzerland if separation from the Kingdom of Sardinia became unavoidable.

How did Giuseppe Garibaldi react to the annexation of Savoy and Nice by France?

Giuseppe Garibaldi expressed his dissatisfaction with the referendum process that led to France annexing Savoy and Nice. Following this, a group of his followers among the Italian Savoyards sought refuge in Italy.

What actions did the French government take in response to opposition to the 1860 annexation?

In response to a strong breakaway movement that emerged in north and central Savoy in 1871, and following calls for a new referendum by groups like the Republican Committee of Bonneville, the French government deployed 10,000 troops to Savoy to restore order.

What organization was founded by Italian Savoyards in Italy, and how long did it exist?

In 1861, the *Associazione Oriundi Savoiardi e Nizzardi Italiani* was founded in Italy. This association represented Italian Savoyards and those from Nice and continued to exist for a century, until 1966.

What role did fascist organizations play in Savoy during the fascist period?

During the fascist period in the early 1940s, organizations were established with the aim of promoting the unification of Savoy with the Kingdom of Italy. By 1942, these fascist groups had nearly one hundred members, primarily concentrated in Grenoble and Chambéry.

What happened when Italy occupied Savoy in November 1942?

When Italy occupied Savoy in November 1942, coinciding with the German occupation of Vichy France, the fascist groups in Savoy claimed that approximately 10,000 Savoyards desired unification with Italy. However, no action was taken, largely because the King of Italy opposed the idea.

What was the initial territorial extent and population of the areas annexed by Italy in 1940?

In 1940, Italy annexed some small areas bordering the Alps in Savoy. This initial zone covered 832 square kilometers and had a population of 28,500 inhabitants.

How did the Italian occupation of Savoy expand in November 1942?

In November 1942, as part of 'Case Anton' and the German occupation of Vichy France, the Royal Italian Army expanded its control. Italian forces took command of significant areas, including Grenoble, Nice, the Rhône River delta, and nearly all of Savoy.

What attempts were made at Italianization in Savoy during the occupation, and what was their success rate?

A process of Italianization was initiated in the schools within Savoy, but it was never fully implemented. While some local Savoyards voluntarily joined the Italian Army through fascist organizations like the Camicie Nere, others chose to join the resistance and fight against the occupying forces.

How did Irredentist Savoyards contribute during the Italian occupation of Savoy in World War II?

Most Irredentist Savoyards actively assisted Jews who were fleeing persecution in Vichy France. The region of Savoy served as a crucial refugee zone during this period.

What halted the plans for incorporating Savoy into the Kingdom of Italy during the fascist occupation?

Although the fascist Savoyards in Grenoble supported projects for Savoy's incorporation into Italy, these plans were ultimately stopped. In September 1943, Nazi Germany replaced Italy in the occupation of Savoy, effectively ending any further consideration of unification.

What was the historical linguistic heritage of Savoy?

Historically, the people of Savoy spoke a dialect related to the Arpitan language, known as the Savoyard dialect. Arpitan is a language spoken across parts of France, Switzerland, and Italy.

What is the predominant language spoken in Savoy today?

Despite its historical linguistic heritage, French is the predominant language spoken in Savoy in contemporary times.

How did Italian authorities attempt to influence language use in Savoy during the fascist occupation?

During the fascist occupation from 1942 to 1943, Italian authorities promoted the use of the Italian language, aiming to replace the Savoyard dialect. This effort was part of a broader process of Italianization.

What specific treaty provisions concerning Savoy were violated by France in 1919?

In 1919, France officially ended the military neutrality of certain parts of Savoy and eliminated the free trade zone. These actions contravened agreements established at the Congress of Vienna and the treaty of Turin, although these provisions had already been unofficially disregarded during World War I.

What was the outcome of France's noncompliance with the treaty of Turin regarding Savoy?

France was condemned by an international court in 1932 for its failure to comply with the measures outlined in the treaty of Turin concerning the regions of Savoy and Nice.

What was the nature of the 'break away movement' in Savoy in 1871?

In 1871, a significant movement emerged in northern and central Savoy opposing the annexation to France. The Republican Committee of Bonneville declared that the 1860 vote was influenced by imperial pressure, not free will, and called for a new referendum.

What was the fate of Italian irredentist organizations in Savoy after World War II?

Following World War II, all organizations associated with Irredentist Savoyards were outlawed by the French authorities under the leadership of Charles de Gaulle.

What political direction did many remaining Irredentist Savoyards pursue in the 1950s and 1960s?

In the 1950s and 1960s, most of the remaining Irredentist Savoyards shifted their support towards the development of autonomistic political organizations within Savoy, such as the Mouvement Région Savoie (Savoy Regional Movement).

What was the timeframe during which Italian irredentism in Savoy was active?

Italian irredentism in Savoy was active from the year 1860 up until the period of World War II.

What were the administrative divisions of Savoy mentioned in the text?

The text mentions the administrative divisions of Savoy as Savoie Propre (Chambéry), Chablais (Thonon), Faucigny (Bonneville), Genevois (Annecy), Maurienne (Saint Jean de Maurienne), and Tarentaise (Moûtiers).

What was the significance of Vaugelas in the context of Savoy?

Vaugelas, who hailed from the duchy of Savoy, became a highly respected figure as a French linguist.

What was the stated reason for the 1860 vote for annexation to France, according to the Republican Committee of Bonneville?

The Republican Committee of Bonneville stated that the 1860 vote was not a genuine expression of the country's will but rather the result of imperial pressure.

What was the Savoyard dialect's linguistic classification?

The Savoyard dialect is historically considered a dialect related to the Arpitan language, which is spoken in parts of France, Switzerland, and Italy.

What was the extent of the Italian Army's occupation of Savoy in November 1942?

In November 1942, the Royal Italian Army expanded its occupation to include Grenoble, Nice, the Rhône River delta, and almost all of Savoy, as part of broader military operations.

What was the role of the *Associazione Oriundi Savoiardi e Nizzardi Italiani*?

Founded in 1861, this association represented Savoyards and people from Nice living in Italy. It served as a unifying body for this community and existed for a century, closing in 1966.

How did the Savoyard region function for refugees during World War II?

During World War II, Savoy served as a refuge for Jews escaping persecution from Vichy France. Irredentist Savoyards played an active role in assisting these individuals.

What ultimately prevented the incorporation of Savoy into the Kingdom of Italy during the fascist era?

Despite support from fascist groups in Savoy for unification during the Italian occupation in 1942, the plans were thwarted. The King of Italy's opposition and the subsequent substitution of Italian forces by Nazi Germany in September 1943 halted any further progress.

What happened to autonomistic political movements in Savoy in the mid-20th century?

In the 1950s and 1960s, many remaining Irredentist Savoyards supported the growth of autonomistic political movements within Savoy, such as the Mouvement Région Savoie, advocating for regional self-governance.

What specific treaty was violated by France in 1919 concerning Savoy, leading to international condemnation?

In 1919, France violated treaty provisions from the Congress of Vienna and the treaty of Turin by ending the military neutrality and eliminating the free trade zone in parts of Savoy. This led to France being condemned by an international court in 1932 for its noncompliance.

What was the initial size and population of the Savoyard territories annexed by Italy in 1940?

The territories of Savoy initially annexed by Italy in 1940 comprised 832 square kilometers and had a population of 28,500 inhabitants.

How did the Savoyard dialect differ from the predominant language spoken today?

The Savoyard dialect is historically related to the Arpitan language, whereas French is the predominant language spoken in Savoy today. During the fascist occupation, there was an attempt to promote Italian over both the dialect and French.

What was the primary goal of Italian irredentism in Savoy?

The primary goal of Italian irredentism in Savoy was to achieve the annexation of the region by the Kingdom of Italy, driven by a sense of shared heritage with the House of Savoy dynasty.

What evidence suggests that the 1860 referendum on annexation to France might have been flawed?

The referendum's announced results showed an overwhelming majority in favor of annexation (130,839 to 235), which prompted criticisms and allegations of vote-rigging, indicating that the outcome might not have reflected genuine popular will.

What was the sentiment expressed by some Savoyard populations regarding potential annexation by Switzerland?

In the event of separation from the Kingdom of Sardinia, some Savoyard populations, particularly in Genevois, Faucigny, and Chablais, indicated a preference for annexation by Switzerland over becoming part of France.

What actions did the French government take to quell the 1871 breakaway movement in Savoy?

The French government responded to the 1871 breakaway movement by deploying 10,000 troops to Savoy to enforce order and suppress the dissent that questioned the legitimacy of the 1860 annexation.

What was the nature of the Italianization efforts during the occupation of Savoy?

During the Italian occupation, attempts were made to Italianize schools in Savoy, though these efforts were not fully realized. Additionally, some local individuals joined the Italian Army, while others resisted the occupation.

What role did the Savoyard region play for Jewish refugees during World War II?

Savoy acted as a significant refugee zone for Jews escaping persecution from Vichy France during World War II. Irredentist Savoyards actively participated in aiding these refugees.

What was the relationship between the Savoyard dialect and the Arpitan language?

The Savoyard dialect is historically considered a dialect of the Arpitan language, a Romance language spoken in parts of France, Switzerland, and Italy.

What were the main regions or areas mentioned in relation to Italian irredentism in Savoy?

The text mentions several regions within Savoy, including Maurienne, Tarentaise, Upper-Savoy, Genevois, Faucigny, and Chablais, in the context of their populations' sentiments and political actions regarding annexation and autonomy.

What was the significance of the Congress of Vienna and the treaty of Turin in relation to Savoy's status?

The Congress of Vienna and the treaty of Turin established certain provisions for Savoy, including military neutrality and a free trade zone for specific areas. France's violation of these provisions in 1919 led to international condemnation.

What was the stated reason for the 1860 vote for annexation to France, according to the Republican Committee of Bonneville?

The Republican Committee of Bonneville asserted that the 1860 vote was not a free expression of the Savoyard people's will but rather a consequence of imperial pressure.

What was the primary linguistic influence in Savoy before the 1940s?

Before the 1940s, French was the official and predominant language in Savoy, despite the historical presence of the Savoyard dialect, which is related to the Arpitan language.

What was the outcome for Irredentist Savoyard organizations after World War II?

After World War II, French authorities under Charles de Gaulle outlawed all organizations associated with Irredentist Savoyards.

Italian Irredentism In Savoy Wiki: Savoy's Italian Dream: Irredentist Aspirations and Historical Echoes

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Historical Context

The Savoyard Identity

Italian irredentism in Savoy represented a political current among certain Savoyard populations who identified with the House of Savoy dynasty and sought closer ties, or outright annexation, with the Kingdom of Italy. Savoy, the ancestral territory of the ruling dynasty, had been administered by the Dukes of Savoy, who later became Kings of Italy. While French had been the administrative language since the 15th century, the region maintained a distinct identity tied to its ruling house.

The 1860 Annexation and Its Discontents

The pivotal moment occurred in spring 1860 when Savoy was annexed to France following a referendum. This process was contentious, with a segment of the Savoyard population actively demonstrating against the annexation. The official vote count reported 130,839 in favor of France and only 235 opposed, a result widely criticized for its alleged lack of genuine popular support and potential manipulation.

Contemporary accounts suggest significant opposition. In Chambéry, over 3,000 people protested the rumored annexation to France. On March 16, 1860, provinces in Northern Savoy—Chablais, Faucigny, and Genevois—formally declared their preference to remain united with the Kingdom of Sardinia or, failing that, to be annexed by Switzerland. Giuseppe Garibaldi, a prominent figure of Italian unification and a native of Nice (a neighboring territory annexed alongside Savoy), vocally criticized the referendum process, leading some Italian Savoyard sympathizers to seek refuge in Italy.

Allegations of vote-rigging were widespread, particularly given the reported 99.8% vote in favor of joining France. The French government's response to dissent, including sending 10,000 troops to Savoy to "restore order" after a break-away movement appeared in 1871, further fueled suspicions about the legitimacy of the annexation.

Post-Unification and Irredentist Organizations

Following the unification of Italy, the sentiment for closer ties persisted. In 1861, the Associazione Oriundi Savoiardi e Nizzardi Italiani (Association of Native Savoyards and Italians of Nice) was established in Italy, serving as a focal point for these sentiments for a century until its dissolution in 1966.

Italian Occupation and Irredentism

World War II Context

During the Fascist era in the early 1940s, organizations promoting the unification of Savoy with Italy gained traction. These groups, with a notable presence in Grenoble and Chambéry, claimed significant Savoyard support for unification, though official action was largely opposed by the Italian monarchy.

Territorial Annexations and Occupation

The irredentist aspirations saw partial fulfillment in 1940 when Italy annexed small border areas of Savoy, encompassing approximately 832 km² and inhabited by about 28,500 people. This initial annexation was expanded in November 1942, coinciding with "Case Anton" (the German occupation of Vichy France). The Royal Italian Army occupied significant portions of Savoy, including cities like Grenoble and Nice, extending control to the Rhône River delta.

An attempt at "Italianization" of schools was initiated, though it was never fully implemented. While some local Savoyards joined the Italian Army through Fascist organizations, others actively participated in the resistance against the occupying forces. Notably, many Irredentist Savoyards provided assistance to Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Vichy France, turning the region into a temporary sanctuary.

These plans for incorporating Savoy into the Kingdom of Italy were ultimately thwarted. In September 1943, Nazi Germany replaced Italy as the occupying power in Savoy, effectively ending Italian ambitions in the region.

The Savoyard Dialect

Linguistic Heritage

Historically, the people of Savoy spoke a dialect closely related to the Arpitan language, commonly referred to as the Savoyard dialect. Arpitan itself is spoken across parts of France, Switzerland, and Italy. However, French has become the predominant language in modern-day Savoy.

Fascist Italianization Efforts

During the Italian occupation from 1942 to 1943, Italian authorities promoted a policy of Italianization. This initiative aimed to encourage the use of the Italian language, supplanting the traditional Savoyard dialect. Despite these efforts, the process was limited in scope and duration due to the subsequent German occupation.

Scholarly Works

Key Texts

The following scholarly works provide deeper insights into the historical context and complexities of Italian irredentism and the Savoy region:

Bosworth, R. J. B. Mussolini's Italy: Life Under the Fascist Dictatorship, 1915-1945. Penguin Books. London, 2005.
De Pingon, Jean. Savoie Francaise. Histoire d'un pays annexé. Editions Cabédita. Lyon, 1996.
Rodogno, Davide. Fascism European Empire. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 2004.
Vignoli, Giulio. Gli Italiani Dimenticati. Ed. Giuffè. Roma, 2000.

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References

Section: our country, Savoy / History

Text (in Italian) of "Bollettino" from the Savoiardi association

Fascism's European Empire -By Davide Rodogno

MilitÃ¤rgeschichtliches Forschungsamt. Germany and the Second World War - Volume 2: Germany's Initial Conquests in Europe, pg. 311

Jean-Louis Panicacci, Â« Occupation italienne Â», nicerendezvous.com.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Italian irredentism in Savoy Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Italian irredentism in Savoy. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information may not be exhaustive or reflect the most current historical interpretations.

Historical Contextualization: Irredentist movements are complex phenomena often driven by nationalist sentiments and historical narratives. This content presents the historical events and perspectives as documented in the source material. It is crucial to approach such topics with an awareness of the various political, social, and cultural factors involved.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult primary sources and scholarly analyses for a complete understanding.

Savoy's Italian Dream

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Historical Context

The Savoyard Identity

The 1860 Annexation and Its Discontents

Post-Unification and Irredentist Organizations

Italian Occupation and Irredentism

World War II Context

Territorial Annexations and Occupation

The Savoyard Dialect

Linguistic Heritage

Fascist Italianization Efforts

Related Topics

Further Exploration

Scholarly Works

Key Texts

External Resources

Further Reading

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Savoy's Italian Dream

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context 🏛️

👑 The Savoyard Identity

🗳️ The 1860 Annexation and Its Discontents

📜 Post-Unification and Irredentist Organizations

Italian Occupation and Irredentism ⚔️

🌍 World War II Context

🗺️ Territorial Annexations and Occupation

The Savoyard Dialect 🗣️

💬 Linguistic Heritage

✍️ Fascist Italianization Efforts

Related Topics 🔗

➡️ Further Exploration

Scholarly Works 📚

📖 Key Texts

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Further Reading

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

The Savoyard Identity

The 1860 Annexation and Its Discontents

Post-Unification and Irredentist Organizations

Italian Occupation and Irredentism

World War II Context

Territorial Annexations and Occupation

The Savoyard Dialect

Linguistic Heritage

Fascist Italianization Efforts

Related Topics

Further Exploration

Scholarly Works

Key Texts

External Resources

Further Reading

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice