Why the Savoy Were Forced into Exile The history of exiled monarchs is a tale filled with intrigue, political turmoil, and power struggles. One such case is that of the House of Savoy, a noble family whose reign in Italy was cut short as they were forced into exile. This article will delve into the reasons behind their expulsion from their homeland and shed light on the events that led to their ultimate downfall. The House of Savoy, also known as the Savoyards, had a long-standing legacy in Europe. They were one of the oldest royal families, with their origins dating back to the 11th century. Over the course of centuries, they rose to prominence and gained control over vast territories, including regions that would later become part of modern-day Italy. By the 19th century, the Savoyards had established a strong presence in Italy. Their kingdom, the Kingdom of Sardinia, was a significant player in the geopolitical landscape of Europe. However, the unification of Italy in the mid-19th century would prove to be a turning point in their fortunes. The unification process, spearheaded by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour, sought to create a united Italian state free from foreign dominion. The Savoyards found themselves caught in the middle of these movements. On one hand, they aimed to maintain their power and influence over the Italian peninsula. On the other hand, they had to navigate the changing political climate and align themselves with the forces of unification. The defining moment came with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. At this point, the Savoyards had to make a difficult decision. Victor Emmanuel II, the reigning king, accepted the crown of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. This move led to the dissolution of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the end of the independent Savoyard rule. However, accepting the crown of Italy did not guarantee the Savoyards a smooth transition into the new political order. Many segments of society were suspicious of their intentions and saw them as remnants of the old regime. Both republicans and nationalists had reservations about their role in the future of Italy. These tensions reached their peak during the First World War. Italy's participation in the war was riddled with internal divisions, and public opinion turned against the Savoyards. Accusations of corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of commitment to the Italian cause overshadowed their reign. The final blow came with the rise of fascism in Italy. Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader, sought to consolidate power and eliminate any potential rivalries. The Savoyards, with their continuing influence and connections to the old order, posed a threat to his regime. As a result, in 1926, the king's cousin, Victor Emmanuel III, abdicated the throne and went into exile. The House of Savoy found refuge in Egypt, initially under the protection of King Fuad. However, their time in exile was marked by constant internal strife and disagreements within the family. Restoration attempts were made in the post-World War II era, but they ultimately failed to regain power. In conclusion, the Savoyards were forced into exile due to a combination of factors. The unification of Italy, suspicions about their intentions, and the rise of fascism all played a significant role in their downfall. Despite their centuries-long reign, their prominence would never be the same, and the House of Savoy remains a relic of Italy's complex history.