Amanullah Khan vs Umberto II

Amanullah Khan launched a surprise attack on British India, triggering the Third Anglo-Afghan War. After a brief conflict, the Treaty of Rawalpindi was signed, granting Afghanistan full independence in foreign affairs, ending British control.

On August 19, 1919, Amanullah Khan declared Afghanistan's complete independence from British influence. This date is now celebrated as Afghan Independence Day, marking the end of British suzerainty and the beginning of full sovereignty.

Amanullah Khan implemented sweeping reforms including abolishing purdah, mandating Western dress, establishing coeducation, and introducing a new legal code. These reforms aimed to modernize Afghanistan but alienated conservative tribal and religious leaders.

Amanullah Khan promulgated Afghanistan's first constitution, establishing a centralized state, a council of ministers, and civil rights. The constitution was a cornerstone of his modernization drive but was opposed by traditionalists who saw it as un-Islamic.

Facing a rebellion led by Habibullah Kalakani, Amanullah Khan abdicated the throne in January 1929 and fled to British India. He later lived in exile in Italy and Switzerland, never returning to Afghanistan, where his reforms were largely reversed.

Umberto II became king on May 9, 1946, after his father's abdication. His reign lasted only 34 days, ending with the institutional referendum on June 2, 1946, which abolished the monarchy and established the Italian Republic. He went into exile in Portugal.

Umberto II accepted the outcome of the referendum that saw 54% of voters choose a republic over the monarchy. He refused to contest the result and departed for exile, ending the House of Savoy's rule in Italy. The republican constitution took effect in 1948.