Pasquale Paoli, born on April 6, 1725, in Stretta, Corsica, and died on February 5, 1807, in London, was a prominent figure in the history of Corsica. He is often referred to as the "Father of Corsican Nation" for his pivotal role in the island's fight for independence from Genoa.
Paoli was born into a family deeply involved in Corsican politics. His father, Hyacinth Paoli, was a leader in the anti-Genoese resistance. Pasquale was educated in Naples at the Military Academy of Naples, where he was exposed to Enlightenment ideas, which would later influence his political philosophy.
Upon returning to Corsica in 1755, Paoli was appointed as the commander of the Corsican forces by the Corsican Diet. He led the resistance against the Genoese with great success, establishing a short-lived independent state known as the Corsican Republic. His government was characterized by:
Despite initial military successes, the situation changed when France purchased Corsica from Genoa in 1768. Paoli's forces were eventually defeated by the French army at the Battle of Ponte Novo in 1769. After this defeat, Paoli fled to England, where he would spend the next 20 years in exile.
During his exile, Paoli maintained contact with Corsican exiles and continued to advocate for Corsican independence. His influence did not wane; in 1789, with the outbreak of the French Revolution, he was invited back to Corsica as the island sought to redefine its status within the new French Republic. His return was marked by:
By 1793, tensions with the French revolutionary government led to his second exile. He returned to London, where he lived out his remaining years. His legacy in Corsica is significant: