Roman Republic of 1798–99

proclaimed on Feb. 15, 1798, by Roman republicans with the support of the French Army occupying Rome. The secular authority of Pope Pius VI in the Papal States was liquidated. The republic’s constitution (1798) was modeled after the French constitution of 1795.

Jacobin democratic elements played a major role in the political life of the republic. Many progressive laws were adopted, including laws on the confiscation and sale of church property, the liquidation of many feudal privileges, and the abolition of the peasants’ personal bondage. However, the French military administration actually ruled the republic. The extremely troubled economy of the republic was further weakened by France’s systematic plundering of the country.

Counterrevolutionary revolts broke out in various areas of the Roman Republic. In the summer of 1799 the territory was invaded by Austrian troops from the north and Neapolitan troops from the south. On September 30, Rome was occupied by Neapolitans, and a detachment of Russian marines (800 men) also entered the city. Papal authority was restored.