Carlo Alberto of Sardinia, also known as Charles Albert, was the King of Sardinia from 1831 until his abdication in 1849. He was born on October 2, 1798, in Turin, Italy, and he belonged to the House of Savoy.

Carlo Alberto's reign was marked by significant political and social changes in Italy, particularly during the period of the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. He initially pursued policies aimed at modernizing and reforming his kingdom, including administrative reforms and the promotion of education and industry.

However, Carlo Alberto's most significant action was his involvement in the First Italian War of Independence in 1848. He declared war on the Austrian Empire, which controlled much of northern Italy, in an attempt to expand his territories and support the cause of Italian nationalism. Despite initial successes, the war ultimately ended in defeat for Sardinia and its allies.

Following the defeat, Carlo Alberto abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Victor Emmanuel II, in 1849. He died in exile in Portugal in 1849.

Carlo Alberto is remembered as a complex figure in Italian history. While he is often seen as a patriot for his support of Italian unification, his reign also faced criticism for its failures and contradictions. Nevertheless, his actions played a significant role in shaping the course of Italian history in the 19th century.