Battle of Novara
Novara, Piedmont, Italy
What happened
The Austrian army under Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky fought the army of the Kingdom of Sardinia (Piedmont) under General Wojciech Chrzanowski. King Charles Albert of Sardinia ended a truce with Austria and renewed the war for Italian independence. The Austrian army moved quickly into Piedmont, and the two armies met near Novara. After a day of fighting, the Piedmontese army was routed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Charles Albert gave up his throne that night in favour of his son, Victor Emmanuel II. Victor Emmanuel later became the first king of a united Italy.
What came next
Charles Albert went into exile in Portugal and died a few months later. Piedmont signed peace in August 1849 and paid Austria a large sum.
Did you know?
Charles Albert's 1848 constitution, the Albertine Statute, stayed in force until 1947.
Timeline
- 4 March 1848Charles Albert grants the Albertine Statute.
- 12 March 1849Charles Albert ends the truce with Austria.
- 22-23 March 1849Austria wins at Novara.
- 23 March 1849Charles Albert abdicates.
- 28 July 1849Charles Albert dies in Porto.