fine to which Bonaparte had condemned him.  The men of Reggio and Modena were also encouraged to throw off his yoke and to confide in the French.  Those of Reggio succeeded; but in the city of Modena itself the ducal troops repressed the rising.  Bonaparte accordingly asked the advice of the Directory; but his resolution was already formed.  Two days after seeking their counsel, he took the decisive step of declaring Modena and Reggio to be under the protection of France.  This act formed an exceedingly important departure in the history of France as well as in that of Italy.  Hitherto the Directory had succeeded in keeping Bonaparte from active intervention in affairs of high policy.  In particular, it had enjoined on him the greatest prudence with regard to the liberated lands of Italy, so as not to involve France in prolonged intervention in the peninsula, or commit her to a war a outrance with the Hapsburgs; and its warnings were now urged with all the greater emphasis because news had recently reached Paris of a serious disaster to the French arms in Germany.  But while the Directors counselled prudence, Bonaparte forced their hand by declaring the Duchy of Modena to be under the protection of France; and when their discreet missive reached him, he expressed to them his regret that it had come too late.  By that time (October 24th) he had virtually founded a new State, for whose security French honour was deeply pledged.  This implied the continuance of the French occupation of Northern Italy and therefore a prolongation of Bonaparte’s command.

It was not the Duchy of Modena alone which felt the invigorating influence of democracy and nationality.  The Papal cities of Bologna and Ferrara had broken away from the Papal sway, and now sent deputies to meet the champions of liberty at Modena and found a free commonwealth.  There amidst great enthusiasm was held the first truly representative Italian assembly that had met for many generations; and a levy of 2,800 volunteers, styled the Italian legion, was decreed.  Bonaparte visited these towns, stimulated their energy, and bade the turbulent beware of his vengeance, which would be like that of “the exterminating angel.”  In a brief space these districts were formed into the Cispadane Republic, destined soon to be merged into a yet larger creation.  A new life breathed from Modena and Bologna into Central Italy.  The young republic forthwith abolished all feudal laws, decreed civic equality, and ordered the convocation at Bologna of a popularly elected Assembly for the Christmas following.  These events mark the first stage in the beginning of that grand movement, Il Risorgimento, which after long delays was finally consummated in 1870.