Theodore de Neuhoff

Theodore de Neuhoff (about 1694; † December 11th 1756 with London) is a German aristocrat. After having crossed the Europe and having occupied various functions, he becomes king of Corsica.

Corsican episode

It meets with Leghorn exiled Corsica S: Giafferi, Ceccaldi, Aitelli, Orticoni and Costa. Those are combined with him to gain their cause near the courses of Europe where Neuhoff gives itself much evil to defend it. In March 1736, on board a British building armed with some rifles and guns, and bringing with him a certain amount of money, it unloads with Aleria, where the local representatives come to pay homage to him. The April 15th, with Alesani, it is elected king of Corsica and approves a monarchical Constitution which envisages a modest tax, a Université, an order of Noblesse and the accession of the Corsicans to all public employment. Acclaimed and placed under the invocation of the Trinity and the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Theodore very takes her role with the serious one. Thus, and although it could not completely discharge services of the big bosses of Corsica, it acquires a certain popularity near the people.

Man of ideas and ambitions more than of ground, Theodore limits himself to many spectacular actions. Genoa, dépitée to be put in failure by this foreigner, carries out a libelous propaganda which harms its image near the sovereigns of Europe. Vis-a-vis this hostile or amused indifference great nations, vis-a-vis the lack of confidence of France, of Great Britain and Spain on which it was dependant, Theodore holds head in Genoa without gaining decisive successes for as much. He finally decides to leave the island after having named Hyacinthe Paoli and Giafferi, commander-in-chiefs of “Beyond”. He embarks with Solenzara the November 11th 1736, disguised as a priest and with his faithful Costa, to take refuge with Leghorn but tries two returns. The first time in 1738, it unloads with a small squadron. It is well accommodated by the peasants, but, none of his/her former collaborators not being with go, it must resign itself to set out again for Naples where it is interned. It tries a new return, in 1743, helped this time by the Britanniques, but essuie a new failure, final this one.

Even if it is not taken with serious by its contemporaries, king Theodore, who reigns only during seven months, proclaims for the first time by its monarchy the independence of Corsica.

See too

Treated of Versailles (1768)

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