Abstract

The essay analyses the Lieutenancy in the Southern Italy as a form of transitional government by the Bourbon regime to the new unitary state. Through the consultation of documents and reading through the correspondence of the protagonists, the author reflects mainly on existing conflicts inside the ruling class for its abolition. During the last Cavour government, the fate of the Lieutenancy is closely intertwined with the examination of the Minghetti projects concerning the administrative system. The Prime Minister still hopes to be able to approve in Parliament the part of the projects dedicated to local autonomies and to the Region as a government institution. After his sudden death in June 1861, his successor, Ricasoli, moved towards the adoption of the centralized system. The documentation shows that the Tuscan statesman obtained the approval of the majority of the ruling class. The duality of powers between the central government and the Lieutenancy's government on the themes of repression of brigandage and the organization of administrative life in the Southern Italy contributed to speeding up the abolition of the Lieutenancy.