This essay analyzes the exceptionality produced by the manifestation of cholera in Sicily during 1837. It is noted that, in the presence of catastrophic phenomena, traditional political balances are upset and new power relations between the various social actors are defined. Because of this reason it is important to observe the answers given by the institutions. The first part analyzes the provisions of the Bourbon government (from quarantines to checks on men and goods and hygiene measures). The second part is dedicated to the reaction of the population, which resulted in insurrections, following the belief that cholera had been spread by the Bourbon government to punish the Sicilians opposed to the regime. The last part focuses on the reaction of the authorities and the establishment of military courts called to stifle insurrection attempts.
In questo saggio si analizza l’eccezionalità prodotta dalla manifestazione del colera in Sicilia nel corso del 1837. Si prende atto che, in presenza di fenomeni catastrofici, si scompaginano gli equilibri politici tradizionali e si definiscono nuovi rapporti di potere tra i diversi attori sociali. Da qui deriva l’attenzione alle risposte date dalle istituzioni. Nella prima parte sono analizzati i provvedimenti del governo borbonico (dalle quarantene ai controlli su uomini e merci e alle misure igieniche). La seconda parte è dedicata alla reazione della popolazione, sfociata in insurrezioni, in seguito alla credenza che il colera era stato diffuso dal governo borbonico per punire i siciliani avversi al regime. L’ultima parte si sofferma sulla reazione delle autorità e sull’istituzione di Tribunali militari chiamati a soffocare i tentativi insurrezionali.
Il colera del 1837 in Sicilia. Tra prevenzione e repressione
Elena Gaetana Faraci
2021-01-01
Abstract
This essay analyzes the exceptionality produced by the manifestation of cholera in Sicily during 1837. It is noted that, in the presence of catastrophic phenomena, traditional political balances are upset and new power relations between the various social actors are defined. Because of this reason it is important to observe the answers given by the institutions. The first part analyzes the provisions of the Bourbon government (from quarantines to checks on men and goods and hygiene measures). The second part is dedicated to the reaction of the population, which resulted in insurrections, following the belief that cholera had been spread by the Bourbon government to punish the Sicilians opposed to the regime. The last part focuses on the reaction of the authorities and the establishment of military courts called to stifle insurrection attempts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.