Ligurian Republic

a state in Italy from June 1797 to June 1805. The Ligurian Republic was formed in the oligarchic Republic of Genoa after its occupation by French troops. The constitution of the republic was compiled on the model of the French constitution of 1795. Moderate bourgeois elements predominated in the government. The French held de facto control and imposed numerous contributions, requisitions, and other levies on the population. The republic was the arena of battle between Austria and France. In June 1800 it underwent a brief Austrian occupation. After the battle of Marengo, Napoleon’s general Dejean was virtual ruler of the Ligurian Republic until July 1802. In 1805 the territory of the Ligurian Republic was annexed to the French Empire. By decision of the Congress of Vienna (1814–15), the territory was given to the Kingdom of Sardinia.