Event of 1849: Venice surrenders to Austrian troops after a 4-month siege. (1849)

The Republic of San Marco, an Italian revolutionary state existing for 17 months in 1848–1849, surrendered to Austrian forces on 28 August 1849. Following the defeat of Sardinia at Novara, Austrian troops reconquered the republic after a long siege, ending its independence from the Habsburg Empire.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Republic of San Marco was an Italian revolutionary state based on the Venetian Lagoon. It declared independence from the Habsburg Austrian Empire and joined the Kingdom of Sardinia to unite northern Italy against foreign domination. The republic existed for 17 months in 1848–1849, extending into the Terraferma territory of the former Republic of Venice.

Siege and Capitulation. After the crushing defeat of Italian forces at the Battle of Novara in March 1849, the Venetian assembly voted to continue their struggle despite an Austrian blockade. Austrian forces reconquered the Republic of San Marco on 28 August 1849 following a long siege, marking the end of the First Italian War of Independence for the region.

Military Operations. Field Marshal Radetzky initiated the military campaign against Venice by attacking the fort of Marghera on 4 May 1849. This fort was defended by 2,500 troops under Neapolitan command. The siege concluded with the reconquest of the republic in August 1849, restoring Habsburg control.

People involved

Sources

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