CHAPTER XX.

THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (_continued_).

The Year of Revolutions--Lord Palmerston's Advice to Spain--It is rejected by the Duke of Sotomayor--Dismissal of Sir H. Bulwer--The Revolution in Germany--Condition of Prussia--The King's Ordinance--He disclaims a Desire to become German Emperor--The National Assembly dispersed by Force--A New Constitution--The King declines the German Crown--The Revolution in Vienna--Flight of Metternich and of the Emperor--Affairs in Bohemia--Croats and Hungarians--Jellacic secretly encouraged--Revolt of Hungary--Murder of Lamberg--Despotic Decrees from Vienna--The second Revolution in Vienna--Bombardment of Vienna--Accession of Francis Joseph--Commencement of the War--Defeats of the Austrians--Quarrel between Kossuth and Görgei--Russian Intervention--Collapse of the Insurrection--The Vengeance of Austria--Death of Count Batthyány--Lord Palmerston's Protest--Schwarzenberg's Reply--The Hungarian Refugees--The Revolution in Italy--Revolt of Venice--Milan in Arms--Retreat of Radetzky--Enthusiasm of the Italians--Revolution and counter-Revolution in Sicily and Naples--Difficulties of the Pope--Republic at Rome--The War in Lombardy--Austrian Overtures--Radetzky's Successes--French and British Mediation--Armistice arranged--Resumption of Hostilities--Battle of Novara--Abdication of Charles Albert--Terms of Peace--Surrender of Venice, Bologna, and other Italian Cities--Foreign Intervention in Rome--The French Expedition--Temporary Successes of the Romans--Siege and Fall of Rome--Restoration of the Pope--Parliamentary Debates on Italian Affairs--Lord Palmerston's Defence of his Policy 574