1st Edition

Politics and Religion in Napoleonic Italy The War Against God, 1801-1814

By Michael Broers Copyright 2002
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Politics of Religion in Napoleonic Italy explores the intense cultural conflict created by French rule in Italy at the start of the nineteenth century. Napoleon's desire for cultural conformity struck at the heart of Italian religious life. Yet the reforms imposed by French rule created resentment and resistance across Italy, finally leading to Napoleon's famous quarrel with Pope Pius VII.
    In this fascinating study, Mike Broers traces the events leading up to the ex-communication of Napoleon and the Pope's arrest and exile from Rome. Using previously neglected French and Italian archival sources, this book reveals how the alliance between Church and people grew in the face of alien, imperial rule. It exposes the vital role this union played in preventing Italy from being totally assimilated into the French empire.

    Preface: The Eagle of Empire and the Lamb of God 1. The last Barbarian Invasion? 2. Centre and Periphery: The power and limits of a concept 3. The Religion of the Rulers 4. The Religion of the Ruled 5. The Concordat and the Italian Clergy 6. The Roman Clergy and the Crisis of the Oath 7. The War against God.

    Biography

    Michael Broers

    'Michael Broers' present work ... not only fills a major gap ... but also has a breadth of vision and synthesis substantially lacking in the Italian Studies.' - Modern Italy

    'The thesis of this rich study is well argued and the analysis is delivered with striking detail and vivid examples.' - H-France