The Sicilian Revolution of 1848–1849, one of the most prominent uprisings during the wave of European revolutions in 1848, marked a significant yet ultimately unsuccessful attempt by Sicilians to liberate themselves from Bourbon rule. The revolution began on January 12, 1848, in Palermo, sparking hope for independence and constitutional reform. It was part of a broader discontent across the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, ruled by King Ferdinand II.
Initially, the revolutionaries achieved remarkable success. The Bourbons were expelled from most of the island, and a provisional government was established. The Sicilian Parliament reinstated the liberal constitution of 1812 and aimed to sever ties with Naples permanently. However, the movement was plagued by internal divisions, a lack of external support, and the limited military capabilities of the revolutionary forces.
As Ferdinand II consolidated power on the mainland, he prepared for a military reconquest of Sicily. In early 1849, a well-equipped royal army under General Carlo Filangieri launched a campaign to retake the island. By May 1849, after fierce resistance, the Bourbon forces captured Palermo, effectively bringing an end to the revolution.
The aftermath was marked by harsh reprisals. The Bourbon monarchy reasserted authoritarian rule, dissolved the Sicilian Parliament, and imposed martial law. Thousands were imprisoned or exiled, and the hope for Sicilian independence was extinguished—at least temporarily.