Francis II of the Two Sicilies (d. 1894)

Francis II: The Last King of the Two Sicilies and the Unification of Italy

Francis II (christened Francesco d'Assisi Maria Leopoldo, known in Neapolitan and Italian as Francesco II, and affectionately as Francischieddu in Sicilian) was a monarch born on 16 January 1836, whose reign from 1859 to 1861 marked a pivotal and final chapter in the history of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. His rule, though brief, coincided with the dramatic and irreversible process of Italian unification, known as the Risorgimento, which ultimately led to the dissolution of his ancient kingdom and the birth of modern Italy.

Early Life and Accession to the Throne

Francis II ascended to the throne of the Two Sicilies on 22 May 1859, following the death of his father, Ferdinand II. He inherited a kingdom that encompassed southern Italy and the island of Sicily, with its capital in Naples – one of Europe's largest and most vibrant cities at the time. Despite his youth and a generally mild disposition, Francis faced the formidable challenge of preserving his Bourbon dynasty's rule amidst escalating nationalist sentiments and the aggressive expansionist policies of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, which sought to unite the Italian peninsula under its own crown.

The Fall of a Kingdom: The Risorgimento's Advance

The demise of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under Francis II was primarily driven by two successive and coordinated invasions, each playing a critical role in the broader strategy of Italian unification:

• Giuseppe Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand: In May 1860, the legendary revolutionary and general, Giuseppe Garibaldi, embarked on his renowned "Expedition of the Thousand" (Spedizione dei Mille). Landing in Marsala, Sicily, with a small but determined force of volunteers, Garibaldi swiftly captured the island, capitalizing on widespread discontent and a desire for change among the local populace. His rapid successes forced Francis II to abandon Sicily and focus his defenses on the mainland. Garibaldi then crossed the Strait of Messina to Calabria, continuing his triumphant march northwards towards Naples.
• Victor Emmanuel II's Sardinian Intervention: As Garibaldi approached Naples, King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia-Piedmont, the leading monarch in the unification movement, initiated a military campaign southward. The Piedmontese army, under General Enrico Cialdini, advanced through the Papal States (with papal permission to suppress perceived anarchist threats, but in reality to link up with Garibaldi's forces), defeating papal troops and securing key territories. This strategic move was crucial not only to prevent Garibaldi from establishing an independent republican state in the south but also to ensure that the newly unified territories would fall under the Sardinian monarchy.

Francis II and his loyal forces made a final, courageous stand at the fortress of Gaeta, north of Naples, enduring a prolonged siege from November 1860 to February 1861. Despite a valiant defense, dwindling supplies and overwhelming odds forced Francis to surrender on 13 February 1861. This marked the definitive end of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies as an independent entity.

Life in Exile and Legacy

Following his deposition, Francis II lived the remainder of his life in exile, primarily in Rome and later in France. He never formally abdicated his claim to the throne, continuing to represent a symbol of the pre-unification order for a segment of the population. He passed away on 27 December 1894, having witnessed the complete absorption of his former kingdom into the newly proclaimed Kingdom of Italy. His reign, though tragically short, is a testament to the powerful forces of nationalism and political ambition that reshaped the map of Europe in the 19th century, transforming a patchwork of independent states into a unified Italian nation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Francis II and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Who was Francis II of the Two Sicilies?

Francis II was the last King of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, reigning from 1859 to 1861. He belonged to the Bourbon dynasty and was christened Francesco d'Assisi Maria Leopoldo.

What was the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a powerful state in southern Italy and Sicily, established in 1816 after the Congress of Vienna. It was the largest and wealthiest of the pre-unification Italian states and had its capital in Naples.

Why was Francis II the last king?

Francis II was the last king because his kingdom was conquered and absorbed into the newly formed Kingdom of Italy during the process of Italian unification (Risorgimento). This was achieved through invasions led by Giuseppe Garibaldi and military actions by Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia.

What role did Giuseppe Garibaldi play in the fall of the kingdom?

Giuseppe Garibaldi led the "Expedition of the Thousand" (Spedizione dei Mille) in 1860, landing in Sicily and rapidly conquering the island, before crossing to the mainland and marching towards Naples, effectively dismantling Francis II's control over much of his kingdom.

How did Victor Emmanuel II contribute to the unification?

Victor Emmanuel II, as King of Sardinia, was the monarch leading the Italian unification movement. His forces marched south to meet Garibaldi, solidifying control over the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and ensuring its integration into the new Kingdom of Italy, which was formally proclaimed shortly after.

What happened to Francis II after his rule ended?

After the fall of his kingdom and the surrender at Gaeta, Francis II lived in exile, primarily in Rome and subsequently in various European cities like Paris. He never formally renounced his claim to the throne and died in 1894.