In February 1793 the French were repulsed in an attack on this island from one just north that they controlled

In the episode airing on Monday, December 9, 2024, the Final Jeopardy category was “Islands of Europe.” The clue given to contestants was: “In February 1793 the French were repulsed in an attack on this island from one just north that they controlled.”

What is Sardinia?

The clue refers to a pivotal moment in European history during the French Revolutionary Wars. Sardinia, a large island in the Mediterranean Sea, was strategically significant due to its proximity to mainland Europe and other Mediterranean powers. In February 1793, French forces attempted to invade Sardinia from the nearby island of Corsica, which was under French control at the time. This operation was part of a broader French effort to expand its revolutionary influence and challenge monarchist powers in the region.

The attack, however, proved unsuccessful. The Sardinian defenders, backed by the Kingdom of Sardinia and their local militia, repelled the French forces. This failure not only halted French ambitions in the region but also solidified Sardinia’s role as a stronghold against revolutionary expansion.

The Role of Corsica in the Attack

Corsica, located just north of Sardinia, played a crucial role in this military episode. The island had recently come under French control after being ceded by the Republic of Genoa in 1768. By 1793, Corsica was a key base for French military operations in the Mediterranean. However, Corsican support for the French was not universal; many locals, including prominent figures like Pasquale Paoli, opposed French domination and sought greater autonomy.

The French used Corsica as a staging ground for their assault on Sardinia, aiming to capitalize on its proximity. Despite their logistical advantage, the French forces faced formidable resistance, and the campaign ended in failure. This outcome further fueled tensions in the region, particularly as Corsican resistance to French rule intensified in the years that followed.

Sardinia’s Strategic Importance

Sardinia’s importance extended beyond this singular event. As the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, it had long been a coveted asset for various European powers. By the late 18th century, Sardinia was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, a sovereign state that also included territories in mainland Italy. The island’s strategic position made it a focal point for maritime trade and military operations.

The failed French attack highlighted Sardinia’s resilience and the effectiveness of its defenders. This episode reinforced the island’s significance as a bulwark against French revolutionary forces, contributing to the broader dynamics of power in the Mediterranean.

Broader Implications of the Incident

The repulsed attack on Sardinia in 1793 was emblematic of the challenges faced by French revolutionary forces as they sought to export their ideals across Europe. The event also underscored the limitations of French military power in the early stages of the Revolutionary Wars. While the French experienced significant successes elsewhere, their inability to secure Sardinia revealed vulnerabilities in their strategy.

Moreover, the incident had a lasting impact on Corsica. The failure in Sardinia, combined with internal resistance on Corsica itself, led to political shifts on the island. By 1794, Corsica declared independence from France under British protection, forming the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom—a short-lived but significant development in the region’s history.

Conclusion

The Final Jeopardy clue from December 9, 2024, shed light on a fascinating moment in European history involving the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. This episode not only highlighted the strategic importance of these Mediterranean islands but also illustrated the complexities of power dynamics during the French Revolutionary Wars. Sardinia’s successful defense against French forces remains a testament to its historical resilience and its role in shaping Mediterranean geopolitics.