Italian Unification

Giuseppe Mazzini

Italian nationalist whose writings spurred the movement for a unified and independent Italy (1805-1872). He was known as "the heart/soul" because of his writings. He was one of the creators of a secret organization called "little Italy"

Camillo Cavour

The political mastermind behind all of Sardinia's unification plans, he succeeded in creating a Northern Italian nation-state. He was an aristocrat, was an experienced and skilled diplomat. He became Emmanuel's president of the Council of Ministers in 1852. Cavour used the tools of realpolitik.

Giuseppe Garibaldi

(1807-82) An Italian radical who emerged as a powerful independent force in Italian politics. He planned to liberate the Two Kingdoms of Sicily. He was known as "the sword." He also gathered nationalistic volunteers called red shirts to fight with him against the Austrian Empire and those Italian monarchs who did not want to unify Italy.

Victor Emmanuel II

King of Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia. Eventually became first king of a united Italy. Led the north in Italian unification and united with Garibaldi's south in 1861. Drove the pope into the Vatican city, and eventually made Rome the capital of Italy.

Red Shirts

Nationalistic group/army created and led by Guiseppe Garibaldi to end foreign control of Italy during the 19th century.

Young Italy

Nationalistic movement that wanted to end foreign control of Italy. Started in 1831 by Guiseppe Mazzini.

Italian States (Sardinia and Sicily)

Sicily was a major threat to the stoppage of Sardinia's unity of Italy. But with the help of Garibaldi and his red shirts, Sicily was conquered by Sardinia in three days.