Secret Societies after the Vienna Congress
By class 4 A LL.
After the Vienna Congress, the democratic and liberal ide-
als of the French Revolution continued to influence Eu-
rope, which lead to the birth of secret societies.
Especially important in Italy was the Carboneria or Secret
Society of Carbonari.
The Carbonari, born in Naples, were a secret society di-
vided into small covert cells scattered across Italy. Alt-
hough agendas varied, evidence suggests that despite re-
gional variations, most of the membership agreed upon
the creation of a liberal, unified Italy. The Carbonari were
anti-clerical in both their philosophy and programme. Its
target was the Constitution and the birth of a national
army.
Even though the Carboneria spread across Italy, its failure
was due to its obsession with secrecy and to its indiffer-
ence about poor people problems.
Its structure was based on a pyramid, as Masonry, and the
main figures were: the first grade, the Apprentice, who
had to pass a particular ritual before entering the society;
the second grade, the Master, who discussed about free-
dom against political despotism; the third grade, the Great
Master, who aspired to the creation of a Republic, in
which every man was equal; the fourth grade, Great
Elected, who presided over Central Sales.
Carboneria’s flag
Blue as hope and
freedom,
red as devotion
and
black as faith.
Carboneria’s symbol.