House of Savoy facts for kids
The House of Savoy was a very important royal family in Europe. They ruled over different areas, starting as dukes in a region that is now part of Switzerland and France. Later, they became kings of the Kingdom of Sardinia and then the Kingdom of Italy. They were kings of Italy from 1861 until 1946.
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The Savoy Family's Rise to Power
The House of Savoy began in the Middle Ages in a region that is now part of Switzerland. Over time, they gained more land and influence. They became dukes of Savoy.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the Savoy family gained control of Sicily. However, in 1720, they traded Sicily for the island of Sardinia. This made their lands much bigger, and they became the rulers of the Kingdom of Sardinia. This kingdom also included Piedmont, a region in northwestern Italy.
Facing Napoleon Bonaparte
In 1792, the House of Savoy joined other European powers against Napoleon Bonaparte. They were defeated at first, and Napoleon took control of their kingdom. But after Napoleon was defeated, the Kingdom of Sardinia was given back to the Savoy family. This showed their strength and importance in Europe.
Leading the Unification of Italy
In the mid-1800s, many people wanted to unite the different states of Italy into one country. King Victor Emmanuel II of the House of Savoy played a key role in this. He led the unification of Italy, bringing many smaller states together. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was formed, and Victor Emmanuel II became its first king. He ruled until 1878.
Kings During World Wars
After Victor Emmanuel II, his son Umberto I became king. In 1900, King Umberto I passed away, and his grandson Victor Emmanuel III became king. Victor Emmanuel III was king during two major global conflicts: World War I and World War II. In 1922, he appointed Benito Mussolini as Prime Minister.
The End of the Monarchy
After World War II, many people in Italy no longer supported having a king. In 1946, Victor Emmanuel III decided to step down as king. His son, Umberto II, became king for a very short time, only about a month. Then, the people of Italy voted in a special election, called a referendum. They decided to abolish the monarchy, meaning Italy would no longer have a king or queen. Italy became a republic.
Today, there is still some discussion about who should be the leader of the House of Savoy. This is debated between Victor Emmanuel, Prince of Naples (who is Umberto II's son), and his cousin, Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta.
The French Branch of Savoy
A part of the Savoy family also settled in France. They were known as the Dukes of Nemours. This branch of the family often had close connections with the royal court of King Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles.
Images for kids
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Hautecombe Abbey, where many of the dukes are buried.
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A map of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
See also
In Spanish: Casa de Saboya para niños
