Santorre di Santarosa, born Annibale Santorre de’ Rossi di Pomarolo, Count of Santarosa, on November 18, 1783, in Savigliano, Cuneo, Italy, is a name that resonates in the annals of Italian history, especially among those who value the ideals of freedom and national unity. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to the cause of Italian independence and the fight against tyranny, making him a pivotal figure in the early stages of Italy’s struggle for unification.
Early Life and Formative Years
Born into a noble family, Santorre di Santarosa’s early life was steeped in the military and political traditions of his family. His father, an officer in the Sardinian army, was a significant influence on him, instilling a sense of duty and patriotism from a young age. The early loss of his father in 1796 during the Battle of Mondovì, part of the Napoleonic Wars, had a profound impact on young Santorre, shaping his views on warfare, politics, and the fight for freedom.
In 1807, at the age of 24, Santarosa became the mayor of his hometown, Savigliano, a role that marked his initial foray into public service. His tenure as mayor was followed by various public offices in La Spezia and Turin, where he began to build a reputation as a capable and principled leader.
Military Career and Revolutionary Zeal
With the fall of Napoleon in 1815 and the restoration of the Kingdom of Sardinia under the House of Savoy, Santorre di Santarosa embarked on a military career, beginning as a captain in the Grenadiers. The political climate of the time, characterized by the rise of liberal movements across Europe, greatly influenced Santarosa. He became an ardent supporter of the constitutional movement, which sought to limit the absolute power of monarchs and introduce constitutional governance.
The revolutionary fervor that swept through Spain and Naples in 1820 only fueled Santarosa’s determination to bring similar changes to Piedmont and the rest of Italy. His vision was clear: a united Italy, free from Austrian domination, under a constitutional monarchy headed by the House of Savoy.
The 1821 Revolt and the Quest for Constitutional Monarchy
Santorre di Santarosa’s most significant contribution to Italian history came in March 1821, when he played a central role in the Piedmontese uprising. Alongside other liberal leaders, such as Colonel Carlo Asinari di San Marzano and Major Giacinto di Collegno, Santarosa initiated the constitutional revolt in Alessandria on March 10, 1821. The revolt quickly spread to Turin and other parts of Piedmont, signaling a widespread demand for constitutional reforms.
One of the key figures in this movement was Prince Charles Albert, who was seen as a potential ally in their quest for a constitutional monarchy. Initially, the plan was to persuade King Victor Emmanuel I to grant a constitution, which would not only prevent an insurrection but also strengthen the kingdom’s position against Austria in Lombardy. However, King Victor Emmanuel I, unable to accept the idea of a constitutional monarchy, abdicated in favor of his brother, Charles Felix, who was staunchly opposed to the liberal cause.
In a brief period of hope, Charles Albert, acting as regent, granted the constitution on March 21, 1821, and appointed Santarosa as the Minister of War and the Navy. However, this victory was short-lived. Under pressure from Charles Felix and facing the intervention of Austrian forces, the constitutional forces were decisively defeated at the Battle of Novara on April 8, 1821.
Exile and Continued Struggle for Freedom
Following the defeat at Novara, Santorre di Santarosa fled to Switzerland to escape the wrath of Charles Felix and the Austrian-backed forces. His exile marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one characterized by intellectual pursuits and continued involvement in the cause of liberty. In 1821, while in Paris, Santarosa published “La Rivoluzione Piemontese” (“The Piedmontese Revolution”), a detailed account of the events that had transpired, written in French to reach a broader audience.
However, his writings and continued advocacy for constitutionalism attracted the ire of Charles Felix, who pressured the French authorities to arrest him. Santarosa was imprisoned and later exiled to Alençon and Bourges in France. Eventually, he found refuge in England, where he lived a modest life, teaching Italian and French to support himself.
During his time in England, Santarosa became friends with several prominent figures, including the philosopher Victor Cousin, the Italian poet Ugo Foscolo, and the revolutionary Giovanni Berchet. These relationships not only provided him with intellectual companionship but also strengthened his resolve to continue fighting for the cause of liberty.
The Greek War of Independence and Santarosa’s Final Stand
Santorre di Santarosa’s passion for freedom was not confined to Italy. In 1824, motivated by his belief in the universal struggle for liberty, he decided to join the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. Alongside Giacinto Provana di Collegno, another Italian patriot, Santarosa traveled to Greece to fight as a common soldier.
His decision to fight for Greek independence was driven by his deep-seated hatred for tyranny and his admiration for classical ideals of freedom, heavily influenced by the writings of Vittorio Alfieri. Santarosa saw the Greek struggle as a continuation of his own fight for liberty, a cause that transcended national boundaries.
On May 8, 1825, Santorre di Santarosa met his end during the Battle of Sfacteria, where he fought heroically but was ultimately killed. His body was never recovered, adding a layer of mystery and tragedy to his already romanticized legacy.
Legacy and Historical Impact
The legacy of Santorre di Santarosa is one of courage, idealism, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom and national unity. Although his efforts to bring constitutional governance to Piedmont were ultimately unsuccessful, his actions laid the groundwork for the later Risorgimento movement, which would eventually lead to the unification of Italy in the late 19th century.
Santorre di Santarosa is remembered not only for his role in the 1821 revolt but also for his intellectual contributions, including his “Confessions” and the incomplete essay “Delle Speranze degli Italiani” (“The Hopes of the Italians”), published posthumously in 1920. His writings provide valuable insights into the mindset of early Italian patriots and their vision for a united and free Italy.
The romanticization of Santarosa’s life and death has been further immortalized by poets and writers, including Giosuè Carducci, who dedicated verses to him in the patriotic poem “Piemonte,” written in 1890. Carducci’s words capture the essence of Santarosa’s sacrifice and his enduring place in the Italian collective memory: “…Innanzi a tutti, o nobile Piemonte, quei che a Sfacteria dorme e in Alessandria diè a l’aure primo il tricolor, Santorre di Santarosa…” (“…Before all, oh noble Piedmont, he who sleeps at Sfacteria and in Alessandria first raised the tricolor, Santorre di Santarosa…”).
Conclusion
Santorre di Santarosa’s life is a testament to the power of ideals and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. From his early years as a public servant and military officer to his leadership in the 1821 revolt and his final act of heroism in Greece, Santarosa’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the cause of liberty.
As Italy moved toward unification, the memory of Santorre di Santarosa and his contributions to the early struggles for independence served as an inspiration for future generations of Italian patriots. His story, filled with both triumphs and tragedies, continues to be a symbol of the enduring fight against oppression and the pursuit of a just and free society.
In the broader context of European history, Santarosa’s life illustrates the interconnectedness of revolutionary movements and the shared ideals that drove individuals to fight not only for their own nations but for the broader cause of human freedom. His legacy, therefore, is not just an Italian one but part of the larger narrative of the 19th-century struggle for constitutionalism and national self-determination across Europe.
