# Umberto I of Italy > king of Italy (1844-1900) **Wikidata**: [Q153688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q153688) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umberto_I_of_Italy) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/umberto-i-of-italy ## Summary Umberto I of Italy was the king of the Kingdom of Italy from 1878 to 1900, serving as the head of the Italian monarchy during the country's early years as a unified nation. He played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and development of Italy following its unification under King Victor Emmanuel II. ## Biography - Born: 1844-03-14 - Nationality: Italy - Known for: King of Italy (1878-1900) - Employer(s): Kingdom of Italy (monarch) - Field(s): Monarchy, leadership ## Contributions Umberto I served as the monarch of the Kingdom of Italy from 1878 until his death in 1900. His reign was marked by efforts to maintain political stability and promote national unity after Italy's unification. He received numerous honors and awards from various European monarchies and states. ## FAQs ### What was Umberto I's role in Italy? Umberto I served as the king of the Kingdom of Italy from 1878 until his death in 1900, acting as the head of state and maintaining the country's political stability during its early years as a unified nation. ### What was Umberto I's full name? Umberto I's full name was Umberto Ranieri Carlo Emanuele Giovanni Maria Ferdinando Eugenio di Savoia. ### What was the duration of Umberto I's reign? Umberto I reigned as king of Italy from 1878 until his assassination in 1900. ### What awards did Umberto I receive? Umberto I received numerous honors including the Commemorative Medal of the Unity of Italy and various foreign orders such as the Order of the Garter from England and the Order of the Golden Fleece. ### What was the capital city during Umberto I's reign? The capital of Italy during Umberto I's reign was Rome, though the capital had previously been in Florence (1865-1871) and Turin (1861-1865). ## Why They Matter Umberto I's reign was significant as it represented the consolidation of Italy's unification efforts and the establishment of a stable constitutional monarchy. His leadership helped shape Italy's early modern state, influencing its political development and international standing during the late 19th century. Without his reign, Italy's early political trajectory might have been different, potentially affecting the country's development during this critical period of modernization. ## Notable For - Served as king of Italy from 1878 to 1900 - Received the Commemorative Medal of the Unity of Italy - Awarded foreign honors including the Order of the Garter and Order of the Golden Fleece - His reign occurred during Italy's early years as a unified nation - Received the Civil Order of Savoy and Order of the Most Holy Annunciation ## Body ### Early Life and Background Umberto I was born on March 14, 1844, as Umberto Ranieri Carlo Emanuele Giovanni Maria Ferdinando Eugenio di Savoia. He was a member of the House of Savoy, which had played a central role in the unification of Italy under his grandfather, King Victor Emmanuel II. Umberto's birth marked the continuation of the royal lineage that had led Italy to its independence from various European powers. ### Accession to the Throne Umberto ascended to the throne on January 9, 1878, following the death of his uncle, King Victor Amadeus II. His reign began during a period when Italy was still consolidating its recent unification. The Kingdom of Italy had been established on March 17, 1861, after the unification efforts led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini. ### Reign and Leadership During his 22-year reign, Umberto I focused on maintaining political stability and strengthening Italy's position as a modern European nation. He presided over the constitutional monarchy system that had been established after the unification. The kingdom's capital had moved from Turin to Florence in 1865 and then to Rome in 1871, with Rome becoming the permanent capital during Umberto's reign. ### Political and Social Policies Umberto's reign was characterized by efforts to modernize Italy's infrastructure and economy. The kingdom experienced significant population growth during this period, increasing from approximately 22 million people in 1861 to over 42 million by 1940. His government worked to develop Italy's industrial base and expand its agricultural capabilities. ### Cultural Development The Kingdom of Italy under Umberto I saw significant cultural development, with the preservation and promotion of Italian heritage becoming a priority. The country's rich artistic and architectural traditions were maintained and expanded during this period. ### International Relations Umberto I maintained diplomatic relationships with other European monarchies and participated in various international events. He received numerous foreign honors and awards from other European states, reflecting Italy's growing international standing. ### Assassination and Legacy Umberto I's reign ended tragically on July 29, 1900, when he was assassinated by an anarchist in the town of Monza. His death marked the end of the House of Savoy's direct rule over Italy and contributed to the eventual dissolution of the monarchy in 1946 when Italy became a republic. ### Physical Appearance and Representation Umberto I was depicted in various official portraits and images. One notable portrait shows him in formal royal attire, while another depicts him with his signature and seal. The royal monogram of Umberto I was used on official documents and symbols during his reign. ### Infrastructure and Monuments Several structures were named after Umberto I, including Corso Umberto I in Naples, Ponte Umberto I in Rome, and Re Umberto metro station in Turin. These monuments serve as lasting reminders of his reign and legacy. ### Awards and Honors Umberto I received numerous honors from various European monarchies and states. These included the Commemorative Medal of the Unity of Italy, which was awarded to recognize his role in maintaining national unity. He also received foreign orders such as the Order of the Garter from England and the Order of the Golden Fleece from the Austrian Empire. ### Family and Succession Umberto I was married to Margherita of Savoy, and they had three children. His son Victor Emmanuel III succeeded him as king of Italy, continuing the royal lineage. The succession was smooth, with Victor Emmanuel III taking the throne immediately after Umberto's assassination. ### Economic Development During Umberto's reign, Italy experienced significant economic growth. The country's population increased substantially, and industrial development expanded across various sectors. The Italian Lira became the official currency in 1861, and the economy continued to develop under Umberto's leadership. ### Cultural Heritage The Kingdom of Italy under Umberto I preserved and promoted Italy's rich cultural heritage. The country's architectural landmarks, including the Colosseum and Vatican, were maintained and protected during this period. Renaissance art from cities like Florence and Rome continued to be celebrated and studied. ### International Membership The Kingdom of Italy, under Umberto's leadership, became a member of various international organizations. These included the European Union (founded in 1957), NATO (founded in 1949), and the United Nations (joined in 1955), though these memberships occurred after Umberto's reign. ### Notable People Associated Several notable figures were associated with the Kingdom of Italy during Umberto's reign, including Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played a key role in the unification movement, and Alessandro Manzoni, a prominent literary figure. These individuals contributed to Italy's cultural and political development during this period. ## References 1. Archivio Storico Ricordi 2. BeWeB 3. [Source](https://archivio.quirinale.it/aspr/gianni-bisiach/AV-002-000144/29-luglio-1900-l-assassinio-re-umberto-i) 4. general catalog of BnF 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. BnF authorities 7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 8. Find a Grave 9. The Peerage 10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 11. Croatian Encyclopedia 12. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 14. Sejm-Wielki.pl