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Alfonso Ferrero LaMarmoraItalian general and politician.
Date of Birth: 18.11.1804
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Alfonso Ferrero La Marmora
- War and Ministry
- Crimean War and Later Career
- Political Career
- Later Years and Publications
- Honors and Awards
Biography of Alfonso Ferrero La Marmora
Italian General and Political FigureAlfonso Ferrero La Marmora was an Italian general and political figure. He served as the Minister of War and Chief of Staff of the Italian army during the mid-19th century. La Marmora demonstrated his leadership abilities during the war of 1848-1849, where he distinguished himself as a capable officer and military administrator.
War and Ministry
After the Battle of Novara, La Marmora was sent to suppress the republic declared in Genoa. In 1849, he became the Minister of War and embarked on a comprehensive reform of the army, following the example of the Prussian military system. La Marmora's reforms aimed to modernize and strengthen the Italian army.
Crimean War and Later Career
In 1855, La Marmora was sent with a 17,000-strong corps to Crimea, where he played a significant role in the Battle of Chernaya. The following year, he served as the Minister of the Navy and later became the Chief of Staff, participating in the war of 1859.
Political Career
When Camillo Benso di Cavour resigned, La Marmora and Urbano Rattazzi formed a government, with La Marmora leading the Ministry of War. Their cabinet lasted only six months before being replaced by the cabinet of Cavour. La Marmora spent the next four years in Naples, focusing on administrative reorganization and combating crime and mafia activities.
Later Years and Publications
In 1864-1866, La Marmora served as Minister-President. He negotiated a treaty with Prussia for an offensive war against Austria, but his subsequent military campaign was unsuccessful, and he was blamed for the defeat at the Battle of Custoza. This led him to resign from his position. La Marmora's book, "Un raggio più di luce" (1873), dedicated to the events of 1866, caused controversy but did not enhance his reputation. Three years later, he published "I segreti di stato nel governo costituzionale" (1877), addressing the same issues. A statue was erected in his honor in Turin.
Honors and Awards
La Marmora was a Knight of the Highest Order of the Annunciation and a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit of Savoy (1855). He was also a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.
