1848: Messina Falls

When Sicily for a brief period of 16 months became independent as a result of that periods revolutions it was Messina that remained the only monarchical toe hold. Revolts in the city were suppressed and later was used as a jump point to retake the island. Would the Sicilian Revolution fare different if it had fallen to republican forces?
 
Would the Sicilian Revolution fare different if it had fallen to republican forces?

Well, yes, obviously.

Now, if you're asking if the revolution would be successful, that's a more tricky question. I'm leaning towards yes though. The Neapolitians were rather busy putting down their own internal unrest and dealing with the radical republican nationalist along the Roman border throughout most of the Springtime of the Peoples; they only reconquered the island rather late in the game. Also the Sicilians were on the offensive throughout most of the war - after securing the island (minus Messina of course) they sent an expedition to Calabria which joined with the native revolutionaries there (it was ultimately crushed, but it still shows that the Sicilians were quite active). As well the British had quite a bit of an investment in Sicily both as an important port-of-call for its control of the Mediterranean, and for certain key resources that the Sicilians held, such as sulfur.
 
Would an independent Sicily end up joining Italy, or would it stay independent?

Well Garbaldi only accepted the Kingdom of Italy only after it seemed like the only option to unite Italy. A exaistent Italian Republix may cause him and Italians to push for seperate Republics as well. Any background political ploys could likely do this as well.
 
the British had quite a bit of an investment in Sicily both as an important port-of-call for its control of the Mediterranean, and for certain key resources that the Sicilians held, such as sulfur.
You already know the story about the Neapolitan navy deciding not to fire on Garibaldi's landing at Marsala (a couple of decades later on) because they saw the red shirts, saw the Union Jack flying over the wine-shippers' warehouses, and thought that it was the British landing -- in which case the Royal Navy could be expected to have a significant fleet nearby -- instead, yes?
 
Would an independent Sicily end up joining Italy, or would it stay independent?

The only way I can think of that Sicily doesn't join the new Italian state is if the revolution fails everywhere else.

Well Garbaldi only accepted the Kingdom of Italy only after it seemed like the only option to unite Italy. A exaistent Italian Republix may cause him and Italians to push for seperate Republics as well. Any background political ploys could likely do this as well.

I'm not so sure about this. Garibaldi joined the Savoyard cause while the Tuscan, Roman, and Venetian republics were still extant. Remember he was a nationalist first and a republican second - and for all his criticisms of Victor Emmanuel he still believed the Piedmontese had the best chance of being successful.

You already know the story about the Neapolitan navy deciding not to fire on Garibaldi's landing at Marsala (a couple of decades later on) because they saw the red shirts, saw the Union Jack flying over the wine-shippers' warehouses, and thought that it was the British landing -- in which case the Royal Navy could be expected to have a significant fleet nearby -- instead, yes?

I'd like to see a source on this, that's certainly interesting. I doubt it happened more than once though.
 
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