Daniele Manin at The Borghese Garden, Italy

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Daniele Manin was born on 13 May 1804 in Venice, Italy. He is widely regarded as a hero of the Italian unification movement and an accomplished statesman. The events surrounding the Bandiera Brothers in 1844 were the first to spark Venetian patriotism. In 1847, Manin presented a petition to the Venetian congregation, calling for reforms that would benefit the nation. However, his efforts were met with resistance from the Austrian authorities, and he was arrested on January 18, 1848, on charges of treason. The arrest only served to galvanize public opinion in Venice, and two months later, when all Italy and much of Europe were gripped by revolution, the people of Venice forced the Austrian governor, Count Pallfy, to release Manin. The Austrians soon lost control of the city, and under Manin's leadership, a civic guard was formed, along with a provisional government. On March 26, the Austrians withdrew from Venice, and Manin became president of the re-established Republic of San Marco. He had long been an advocate for Italian unity but was not keen on annexation to Piedmont due to concerns about French involvement. Despite this, he eventually relented and handed over his powers to Piedmontese commissioners in August 1848. However, following the defeat at Custoza and the subsequent armistice, which saw Lombardy and Venetia returned to Austrian control, Manin's leadership was once again called upon. In October 1848, he formed a triumvirate with himself as leader, tasked with guiding Venice through this tumultuous period. As the Austrians regained control of the mainland, the citizens of Venice showed unwavering dedication to their cause, contributing what they could to the state treasury and braving the dangers that came with it. In early 1849, Manin was re-elected president of the Republic, and he led the defense of Venice with remarkable skill. The city's determination to resist the Austrian forces was evident in their vote for "Resistance at all costs!" in March, granting Manin unlimited powers. As the siege continued, Manin demonstrated exceptional organizational abilities, working closely with Neapolitan General Guglielmo Pepe to defend Venice against overwhelming odds. However, on May 26, the Venetians were forced to abandon Fort Marghera due to food shortages and other challenges. The subsequent explosion of the powder magazine on June 19 and the outbreak of cholera in July further weakened their position. The Austrian batteries began bombarding Venice itself, and when the Sardinian fleet withdrew from the Adriatic, the city was attacked by sea as well. Demagogues caused internal strife, adding to the city's woes. On August 24, Manin negotiated an honorable capitulation with the Austrians, securing amnesty for all except himself, General Pepe, and a few others who would be exiled. On August 27, Manin left Venice forever on board a French ship.