Carbonari - Origins

Origins

As a secret society that was often targeted for persecution, the Carbonari operated largely in secret, and hence much of the work that has been done on the origins of the Carbonari depends upon a very small slice of documents. The name Carbonari came from “charcoal-burners” and the place where they met was called “baracca”, the members called themselves “good cousin” so people who did not belong to the Carbonari were “pagani”. There were special ceremonies to initiate the members. The aim of Carbonari was the creation of a constitutional monarchy or a republic, they wanted also to defend the rights of people against all forms of absolutism. Carbonari, to achieve their purpose, were ready to commit assassinations and armed revolts. The membership was separated into two classes—apprentice and master. There were two ways to become a master, through serving as an apprentice for at least six months or by being a Freemason on entry. Their initiation rituals were structured around the trade of charcoal-selling, hence their name. In 1814 the Carbonari wanted to obtain a constitution for the Kingdom of Naples by force. Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies who was the lawful ruler was opposed to them. Joachim Murat wanted to create a united and independent Italy and when Ferdinand mounted the throne, Murat died. In 1815 Ferdinand I found his kingdom swarming with them. The society comprised nobles, officers of the army, small landlords, governments, peasants and even priests. The society was dominated by the papacy. On 15 August 1814, Cardinals Consalvi and Pacca issued an edict against secret societies, in which all were forbidden under severe penalties to become members of these secret associations, to attend their meetings, or to furnish a meeting-place for such. In 1817 there was a revolt against Macerata, Ancona and other parts of the papal states which had been arranged by the Carbonari of Romagna and the Marches. They published a lot, mostly pamphlets, several of them in England.