The History of the Italian Flag

Few flags spark such feelings of pride of heritage andcountry.
history as the green, white and blue of the Italian flag. However, in 1848, King Carlo Alberto finally led
The Amazing History of the Italian FlagNationalist forces to free Italy of these forces, and the
The symbolism behind the Italian flag is altruistic, thetri-color flag was once again adopted as the national
green stands for hope, the white for faith, and red forflag.  King Alberto included his royal arms, including his
charity.  These are all virtues of a truly "good" humanblack eagle shield, on the flag.  By 1860, the entire
being, and they are virtues that Italy proudly strives for.country was under the control of King Alberto's son,
This flag first represented the Cisalpine Republic atKing Vittorio Emmanuele I.
Modena in 1797.  The Italian constitution was createdIn 1870, France was invaded by the Prussians, and
by the Austrian "Hapsburgs," and based in large partNapoleon III withdrew completely from Italy.  King
on the French constitution.  By 1805, when Napoleon IEmmanuele II took advantage of this departure and
took control over the kingdom of Northern Italy, thetook over the city of Rome, and it became the capital
Tri-Color flag was what represented this domain. city. 
Under Napoleon's rule, and under Pope Pius VII, theFinally, many years later, in June 1946 just after WWII
fifteen states were united into three areas. ended, Italy became a Republic and the nation's flag
However, barely ten years later, this unity ended at thereturned to its original tri-color design, void of any coat
1815 Conference at Vienna, when the country wasof arms or crown - signifying a free and liberated
split into nine states.  Outside forces were a constantRepublic.
influence upon the turmoil and divisiveness within theLearn more about the flags of all countries at .