Piedmont

Political developments:

• Piedmont had introduced a constitution, plus they were liberal meaning about 30,000 political exiles fled there
• Piedmont then became the centre of the Nationalist movement
• Cavour wanted Austria out at this point, and he didn't take unification seriously at first
• he created what's known as the 'Connubio' which was a political marriage (alliance) between the centre-left and centre-right parties; strengthening Parliament against the Crown (monarchy) allowing him to pass legislation and become Prime Minister
• the Siccardi Laws were drafted in 1850 which ended ultimate power of the Church and further strengthening Cavour and Piedmont
• the Laws controlled power within the church but in most states this was via an agreement - concordat
• the Laws included: separate law courts for priests (and other members of a clergy) abolished; the right for criminals to seek protection in churches was abolished; religious…