Tuscan National Assembly deposes the House of Habsburg-Lorraine

Background. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany was an Italian monarchy located in Central Italy that existed, with interruptions, from 1569 to 1860, replacing the Republic of Florence. The House of Habsburg-Lorraine held the grand ducal title, with Francis Stephen becoming grand duke and his wife Maria Theresa serving as Tuscany's grand duchess. In March-April 1859, the imminent outbreak of the Second Italian War of Independence created a crisis for the ruling house.

Flight and Abdication. In April 1859, Grand Duke Leopold II refused to join the war against Austria or abdicate. On 27 April, he fled Florence for Bologna. On 21 July, he formally abdicated in favor of his son, Ferdinand IV. This hypothetical reign was short-lived, as the political situation in Tuscany shifted rapidly towards deposition.

Deposition. The Tuscan National Assembly formally deposed the House of Habsburg-Lorraine on 16 August 1859, ending the dynasty's rule in Tuscany. The grand ducal government was finally dissolved upon Tuscany's annexation to the United Provinces of Central Italy in 1859.

Provisional Government. Following the sovereign's departure, revolutionary forces established a Provisional Government of Tuscany, presided over by Ubaldino Peruzzi. This government offered dictatorship to Victor Emmanuel II, who refused it due to the uncertain international situation. The Armistice of Villafranca stipulated Leopold's return, but this never happened in practice.