Page "Maria Carolina of Austria" Paragraph 26

On 24 January 1799 the Parthenopean Republic was proclaimed in Naples by the French troops led by General Championnet.

The chosen name ( after Parthenope, an ancient Greek colony which existed on the site of the future city of Naples ) was an attempt by the French to obtain the support of the Neapolitan people.

During the republican period, a government was installed with Ercole D ' Agnese as elected President, press freedom was proclaimed, and future reforms were prepared.

However, after only 6 months, the young republic ended when the Sanfedisti, the army led by Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo, attacked and invaded Naples ( 21 June 1799 ).

The collapse of the republic was largely due to the English fleet, which had supplied the royal army with weapons.

Again, it was Admiral Nelson who successfully defeated the French in the middle of 1799 from Naples and Sicily securing the throne for the Royal couple.