Ended the Third War of Italian Independence, transferring Venetia to Italy and marking Austria's decline as a European great power.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 3 October 1866
- Date ratified
- 12 October 1866
- Territory transferred
- Venetia and most of Friuli
- Armistice confirmed
- Armistice of Cormons, 12 August 1866
- Italy's new status
- Recognised as sixth great power of Europe
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Third War of Italian Independence, fought as a theatre of the broader Austro-Prussian War, resulted in military conflict between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austrian Empire. The Armistice of Cormons on 12 August 1866 halted hostilities and set the preliminary terms for a formal peace settlement.
On 3 October 1866, Italy and Austria signed the Treaty of Vienna, ratified on 12 October. It confirmed the transfer of Venetia and most of Friuli first to the French Empire and then, following a popular referendum, to the Kingdom of Italy. Austria was compelled to formally recognise Italian sovereignty.
The treaty completed the dissolution of the Habsburg-ruled Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, whose Lombard half had already been ceded in 1859. Combined with Prussia's defeat of Austria, it exposed the declining power of the Habsburg monarchy and established Italy as a recognised great power in European affairs.
Political Outcome
Austria ceded Venetia and most of Friuli to France for transfer to Italy; Austria recognised Italian sovereignty; Italy gained status as sixth great power.
Austria controlled Venetia and Friuli; Italian sovereignty unrecognised by Austria; Habsburg monarchy a dominant European power.
Venetia and Friuli transferred to Italy; Austria's great-power status diminished; Italy recognised as sixth great power of Europe.