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Period: Jan 1, 1528 to Dec 31, 1554
Italian Realignment Era
Italy went through various shifting alliances and political outbreaks during this time period. The borders of Italy were erased and redrawn several times as the surrounding countries sparred for territory. -
Mar 12, 1537
Sardinia Uprising
The people of Sardinia are considered citizens of Italy, but are experiencing statutory neglect due to their distance. They have created their own government on their island, fostered a decent economy and trade system, and raised their own army (just in case). However, they are forced to send money, troops, and supplies whenever Italy asks, with nothing in return. The islanders have had enough; they refuse to send any reinforcements until the Italian leader agrees to leave them be. -
Dec 24, 1537
King Charles' Response
At the time, Charles V was both the leader of Spain and Italy (known then as the Holy Roman Empire). After receiving a letter from the people of Sardinia, which requested that Sardinia be left alone, King Charles became frustrated with their lack of patriotism and threatened to cut off all lines of trade and effectively barricade them. -
Aug 3, 1538
The Ultimatum
Sardinia citizens replied back, "Yea, you and what army?" Most of king Charles' military was busy on the Italian peninsula trying to keep control of the territory. Therefore, they responded with an ultimatum; if Sardinia would be allowed to become a separate country, under no control or obligation from Italy/Spain, then they would provide money, troops, and supplies for the war effort in exchange for valuable goods, such as precious metals, jewels, and silk. -
Period: Jan 1, 1539 to Dec 31, 1545
Sardinia Readjustment Period
After King Charles V reluctantly accepts Sardinia's proposal, Sardinia is officially a separate political entity, its own country. For the following several years, the citizens debate how their government would best work. Eventually, they decide on a parliamentary monarchy. -
Corruption in our Government
Sardinia was flourishing on its own for several decades after becoming their own country. However, in September of 1598, power fell into the wrong hands. Prince James II took the throne from his father, King James, after he passed away due to illness. The now King James II was greedy; he commanded that all religions be banned except for Jamesism, where the God was King James II. In addition, he raised taxes so that he would have more money to buy jewels and gold to furnish his huge palace. -
Sardinia Mutiny
Things came to a head in April of 1602. King James II had bled everyone dry, people were starving, and around every corner was one of the King's soldiers, ready to jail anyone who spoke bad about the King. The citizens had had enough, so they stormed the island armory, armed themselves, and broke into the royal palace. Once there, they gave James II an ultimatum. He could either sign a constitution giving the citizens certain powers and rights, or he would die. -
A Constitutional Monarchy was Born
On May 28, 1602, King James II signed the modern-day constitution. Some of the things given to the citizens of Sardinia include the freedom of religion and speech, limits on taxes, and the right to a fair trial. Now, King James II was forced to follow his own rules and his power was very limited.
