Franz Joseph I, in an attempt to shore up his Austro-Hungarian Empire both financially and politically, introduced the October Diploma which gave increased powers to regional legislatures.  Designed to expand the power of conservative local land-holders, the reform was a failure and met with significant resistance from liberals opposing federalism.  The October Diploma was replaced by the February Patent in February, 1861.  (By John Osborne)

A popular plebiscite in the central and southern provinces of Italy, including Sicily,  to decide whether these areas should be taken into a united Italy "one and indivisible under Victor Emanuel, constitutional King" had taken place on October 21, 1860. The mainland provinces vote was 1,302,064 for and 10,312 against; Sicily voted 432,053 to 667 in favor.  The results were accepted officially on November 7, 1860 and annexation took place by royal decree on December 17, 1860.  (By John Osborne)  

A popular plebiscite in the central and southern provinces of Italy, including Sicily, to decide whether these areas should be taken into a united Italy "one and indivisible under Victor Emanuel, constitutional King" took place on this date. The mainland provinces vote was 1,302,064 for and 10,312 against; Sicily voted 432,053 to 667 in favor.  The results were announced in early November and accepted officially on November 7, 1860. Annexation took place by royal decree on December 17, 1860.  (By John Osborne)  

Following the victories of Piedmont-Sardinia and Garibaldi over the Kingdom of Naples, a popular plebiscite in the central and southern provinces of Italy to decide whether these areas should be taken into a united Italy "one and indivisible under Victor Emanuel, constitutional King."  The vote took place in these provinces, including Sicily, on October 21, 1860 with a resounding result in favor.  (By John Osborne)  

Following the victories of Piedmont-Sardinia and Garibaldi over the Kingdom of Naples, a popular plebiscite in the central and southern provinces of Italy to decide whether these areas should be taken into a united Italy "one and indivisible under Victor Emanuel, constitutional King."  The vote took place in these provinces on October 21, 1860 with a resounding result in favor.  (By John Osborne)  

Following the victories of Piedmont-Sardinia and Garibaldi over the Kingdom of Naples and the Papal States, Prime Minister Cavour introduced a bill into the Italian Chamber of Deputies to begin the process of a plebiscite in the central and southern provinces of Italy to decide whether these areas should be taken into a united Italy.  The bill passed and the vote took place in these provinces later in the month with a resounding result in favor.  (By John Osborne)