On This Day - What happened 18 March 1848 AD

In Lombardy, tensions increased until the Milanese and Venetians rose in revolt on 18 March 1848.

On March 18, a large demonstration occurred. After two shots were fired, fearing that some of the 20,000 soldiers would be used against them, demonstrators erected barricades, and a battle ensued until troops were ordered 13 hours later to retreat, leaving hundreds dead.