May 1906: The Story of a Revolt in Cagliari
The parallel with current tensions brings to light the events of 120 years ago: the cigar makers' revolt, Bacaredda's escape, and the bloody repression that claimed two very young victims.
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The recent clashes in many cities bring to mind what happened in Cagliari in the tragic May of 1906. In an era marked by great change, the constantly rising cost of living, low wages, and taxes, particularly the fourth regia, which withheld 25% of market profits, were the subject of bitter protests. Inhumane working conditions, with shifts that in some cases far exceeded 12 hours a day, fueled tensions and protests . Growing discontent spread among factory workers, laborers, bakers, dockers, and the cigar makers of the Manifattura Tabacchi. The latter became active participants in the uprisings. Their spokesperson Bonaria Cortis, along with other colleagues, engaged in a direct confrontation with Mayor Ottone Bacaredda . The indifference of the city administration soon proved to be a grave mistake.
On May 14 and 15, 1906, the situation actually deteriorated . Thousands of workers gathered at the Bastione di Saint Remy, and in the subsequent demonstrations, tensions escalated into heated clashes. Two young protesters were killed in one of these clashes. Grocery stores were looted, carts and trams overturned, and fires and devastation escalated.
Shiploads of soldiers set out for the city to calm the crowd. Mayor Bacaredda was forced to temporarily resign . The riot was eventually repressed by the police. In the following days, the city, until then peaceful, was plunged into consternation. The violence, the deaths, and the injuries were never justified by the exasperation of the protests.
