The constitution issue exercised 19th century Europe, particularly in 1848/49. Even before the outbreak of the revolution, the four monarchs of the Italian territorial states reacted to pressure and proclaimed constitutions. The present study is concerned with their genesis, their contents and the models on which they were based. At the same time, it analyses the actors involved, their intentions, the latitude they had, and the means and procedures adopted in giving the constitution and demanding one. Thus a complete socio-historical picture is formed of a European phenomenon in its Italian manifestation.

Autorentext

Kerstin Singer, Berlin.