Unification of Italy (1861)

Key Figures in Italian Unification

  • Camillo di Cavour (1852)

    • Became Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia.

    • Sought modernization and industrialization.

    • Aimed at uniting Northern states to expel Austrian influence.

  • Giuseppe Mazzini

    • Known as "The Heart"; leader of the Young Italy movement.

    • Attempted a republican unification but failed.

  • Giuseppe Garibaldi

    • Called "The Sword"; lead military expeditions.

    • Notable for the Red Shirts and capturing Sicily.

  • Victor Emmanuel II

    • Referred to as "The Boot"; king who played a significant role in the unification process.

Timeline of Italian Unification

  1. Young Italy Movement by Mazzini (1833)

    • Initial unsuccessful attempts at republican unification.

  2. Cavour's Leadership (1852)

    • Provocation of war against Austria with support from Napoleon.

  3. Alliances (1854)

    • Engaged in the Crimean War to solidify French alliances against Austria.

  4. War of 1859

    • Cavour's strategy backfires when Napoleon withdraws support.

  5. Revolts in Central Italy (1860)

    • Overthrown princes and popular support for joining Sardinia.

  6. Garibaldi and the Red Shirts (1861)

    • Successful conquest of Sicily; attempted advancement towards Rome, stopped by Cavour.

  7. Unification Events

    • Declaration of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

    • Venice joined in 1866, Rome in 1870.

Effects of Italian Unification

  • Positive Aspects

    • Cultivated cultural unity and national pride ("El Risorgimento").

    • Formation of an organized army and political influence.

  • Negative Aspects

    • Regional disparities, especially between North and South Italy (similar to the US).

Quotes on National Identity

  • Victor Emmanuel II emphasized the transformation of Italy from being a battlefield of foreign ambitions to a unified Italy for the Italians.