Few flags spark such feelings of pride of heritage and
history as the green, white and blue of the Italian flag.
The Amazing
History of the Italian Flag
The symbolism behind the Italian flag is altruistic, the
green stands for hope, the white for faith, and red for
charity. These are all virtues of a truly "good" human
being, and they are virtues that Italy proudly
strives for.
This flag first represented the Cisalpine Republic at Modena
in 1797. The Italian constitution was created by the
Austrian "Hapsburgs," and based in large part on the French
constitution. By 1805, when Napoleon I took control over
the kingdom of Northern Italy, the Tri-Color flag was what
represented this domain. Under Napoleon's rule, and under
Pope Pius VII, the fifteen states were united into three
areas.
However, barely ten years later, this unity ended at the
1815 Conference at Vienna,
when the country was split into nine states. Outside forces
were a constant influence upon the turmoil and divisiveness
within the country.
However, in 1848, King Carlo Alberto finally led Nationalist
forces to free Italy of these forces, and the tri-color flag
was once again adopted as the national flag. King Alberto
included his royal arms, including his black eagle shield,
on the flag. By 1860, the entire country was under the
control of King Alberto's son, King Vittorio Emmanuele I.
In 1870, France was invaded by the Prussians, and Napoleon
III withdrew completely from Italy. King Emmanuele II took
advantage of this departure and took over the city of Rome,
and it became the capital city.
Finally, many years later, in June 1946 just after WWII
ended, Italy became a Republic and the nation's flag
returned to its original tri-color design, void of any coat
of arms or crown - signifying a free and liberated Republic.
Learn more about the flags of all countries at FlagsAllCountries.com .
