The Carbonari was a brotherhood created for the purpose of overthrowing the Italian government. Created in early 19th century Italy, the groups were very similar to Freemasonry. Although its members were scattered across Italy, the Carbonari sought to create a liberal, unified Italian, lower-class uprising. They were led by students from universities along with other intellectuals. Also included in their program was an anti-clerical movement. The Carbonari believed that priests should not have exclusive power in a church system. The Carbonari was responsible for many uprisings in Spain and in Italy. The Carbonari inspired many other revolutionarysocieties to rise up and rebel.