Ritual and Revolution: The French, the Lazzaroni and the Neapolitan Republic in 1799

Abstract

This thesis examines the brief existence of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799, focusing particularly on French interests and strategies regarding Naples both prior to and during the French army's advance into the city in January 1799. It argues that the Armée de Naples' political objectives were more nuanced than merely promoting "liberty and equality" and securing the support of local Jacobin elites. By analyzing the letters of military commissioner Marc-Antoine Jullien and French general Jean-Étienne Championnet’s participation in a liquefaction ceremony upon their arrival, it reveals that the French were also deeply concerned with Naples’ urban poor, known as the lazzaroni. The French aimed to convert these poor into Republican citizens, influenced by lessons from the aftermath of the Terror, including the strategic use of religion to achieve Revolutionary goals. Their involvement in the liquefaction ceremony illustrates their willingness to adopt popular lazzaroni religious practices. This thesis argues that understanding this complex French agenda is crucial for assessing their influence over the politics of Italian sister republics like Naples, and for evaluating the extent to which Italian Jacobins were influenced by the French versus setting their own political directions.