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Francis II of Savoy

Francis II of Savoy (1760-1833) was an Italian nobleman and the last King of Sardinia from 1802 until 1807. He was born into the House of Savoy, a powerful royal family in Italy. His reign occurred during the turbulent years of the Napoleonic Wars, which altered Europe’s political landscape. Francis faced challenges from France, leading to the temporary loss of his territories. After Napoleon's defeat, he returned to power but struggled to adapt to the modernizing forces emerging in Italy. His reign ended when he abdicated in favor of his son, Charles Albert, signaling a shift towards parliamentary governance.