Editing Charles Albert of Sardinia (section)

=== Participation in the Revolution of 1821 ===
[[File:Carlo Alberto e i congiurati del 1821.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Charles Albert promised his support to the conspirators behind the 1821 revolution, in a print from 1850 to 1875.]]
After the 1820 uprising in [[Cadiz]], King [[Ferdinand VII of Spain]] was forced to grant the [[Spanish Constitution of 1812]]. The hope of obtaining similar constitutions arose in many European states. Insurrections broke out in Naples and Palermo. On 6 March 1821, [[Annibale Santorre di Rossi de Pomarolo, Count of Santarosa|Santorre di Rossi de Pomarolo]], [[Giacinto Collegno|Giacinto Provana di Collegno]], Carlo di San Marzano and Guglielmo Moffa di Lisio (all military officers, officials, or sons of ministers) and Roberto d'Azeglio met with Charles Albert. The young liberals were ready to act and had identified the prince as a new type of man for the House of Savoy — one ready to break with the absolutist past.<ref>{{harvnb|Bertoldi|p=63}}</ref>

The conspirators had no desire to abolish the House of Savoy, but claimed, on the contrary, that they hoped to force it to grant reforms which would grant it the gratitude of the people. During the months of preparation, Charles Albert had assured them of his support and on 6 March he confirmed this, declaring that he supported armed action. They were to raise troops, surround King [[Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia|Victor Emmanuel I]]'s residence at [[Castle of Moncalieri|Moncalieri]] and demand that he grant a constitution and declare war on Austria. Charles Albert was to play the role of mediator between the conspirators and the king.<ref>{{harvnb|Bertoldi|pp=65, 76}}</ref>

On the morning of the next day, 7 March, Charles Albert had second thoughts and informed the conspirators of this. Indeed, he summoned the Minister of War, [[Alessandro Di Saluzzo di Menusiglio]] and told him that he had discovered a revolutionary plot. There was an attempt to halt the conspiracy, which nevertheless continued to grow bolder on the next day, with another visit by di Rossi and di Marzano. Yet, they grew uncertain and gave orders to cancel the insurrection, which was due to break out on 10 March. The same day, Charles Albert, full of regret, raced to Moncalieri, where he revealed everything to Victor Emmanuel I and begged for a pardon. The situation had reached a tipping point. In the night, the garrison of [[Alessandria]], commanded by one of the conspirators (Guglielmo Ansaldi), rose up and took control of the city. At this point, the revolutionaries decided to act, despite the abandonment of the prince.<ref>{{harvnb|Bertoldi|pp=75–79}}</ref>