Haute-Savoie belongs to Chambéry then to Turin
This passage begins with Amedee VIII who finally recovers Piedmont in 1419.
The second stage occurs in the time of Amedee IX (1465-1472). Savoy is weakened and Yolande de France (sister of the King of France Louis XI) installs the residence of the dukes of Savoy in Turin not to become too dependent on the King of France.
From 1536, Francis I (King of France) and Charles V (empire, Spain, Italy) do not stop to make war. Savoy stuck between the two belligerents must play the equilibrists. In 1536, it is occupied by the French. But Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy had sided with Charles V and recovers his possessions in 1557 by the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis. To set distances with France, he installed the new government of Savoy in Turin (1562).
The duchy of Savoy becomes Sardinian kingdom
In 1536, the inhabitants of Geneva decide to form a Protestant republic independent of the Duchy of Savoy. The Duke of Savoy is trying to take the town back, but he fails.
From 1630 to 1713, the Duchy was involved in a series of European wars. At the end of these wars, the treaty of Utrecht of 1713 returns to the duke of Savoie, Victor-Amédée II, Savoy but it also obtains the crown of Sardinia. It is then that the states of Savoy become Sardinian kingdom.
Savoyards feel unloved by their king
From 1717 to 1728, Victor Amadeus II undertook important reforms that were unpopular in Savoy (for example: suppressions of local institutions, Piedmontese currency imposed hence depreciation of French coins often used, establishment of a cadastre, ...) .
No one is spared, not even the rich who lose their tax privileges. The Savoyard economy stagnates, the population begins to wish another political regime.
Savoy becomes department of Mont Blanc
During the French Revolution, Savoy became French. In September 1792, French troops and Savoyard revolutionaries exiled occupied Chambery. Sardinian troops withdraw without fighting. In November 1792, Savoy becomes department of Mont Blanc, with as chief town Chambery. It will remain French department until 1815.
But now, the revolution has not kept its promises. Napoleon I tired the population with its enormous conscriptions. In 1814, the disappointed Savoyard wish to recover the Sardinian monarchy. And in 1815, Savoy is attached to the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia by the second treaty of Paris.
The definitive attachment to France
After 1815, it is the return to the Old Regime, it is the Restoration. The economy does not develop more than before, the Savoyards have the feeling of paying a lot of taxes.
At that time Italy is divided into 12 small states more or less controlled by Austria. But the kings of Piedmont-Sardinia (Charles-Albert then Victor-Emmanuel II) decide to hunt the Austrians to create an Italian confederation. Many Savoyards understand at this time that they will be a useless appendage in the future kingdom of Italy.
Victor Emmanuel II seeks help France led by Napoleon III. The latter promises his support in exchange for Savoy and Nice. But after the war of 1859, the emperor stops him fearing a Prussian intervention. He gives up Savoy. But in January 1860, the states of central Italy voted reunification in Piedmont. They yield then Savoy and Nice by the treaty of Turin to France. Indeed, Italy needed the agreement of France to annex the last Italian states.
It is planned to consult the populations before joining France. The result proclaimed April 29, 1860 gives a strong majority to the attachment. However, in most municipalities, the "No" ballots are camouflaged and in Maurienne, they did not arrive in time.