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Italy Before Unification
Before unification, Italy was ruled by conservative monarchs. When Napoleon arrived, he brought ideas of liberty, fraternity, and equality, and got rid of monarchs. After Napoleon was exiled, the Congress of Vienna tried to restore a traditional monarchy. However, people now wanted to live in a unified Italy with a liberal constitution. -
Giuseppe Mazzini
-He founded Young Italy, a group which led many revolutions for Italian Unification
-He was received a law degree from a university in Genoa at the age of 21
-He was imprisoned in 1830 after writing politically against the monarchical government
-Though he was imprisoned several times, he worked for Italian Unification throughout his life -
Giuseppe Garibaldi
-Was a key figure in the creation of Italy
-He fought for the independence of several southern Italian states, and was successful
-He became the Deputy for Rome, but refused to accept money
-He disagreed with many ideas of the new government he worked for, but in the end he was still respected by the citizens of Italy -
Camille Cavour
-Was the diplomat for Sardinia-Piedmont under the rule of King Emmanuel II
-Was the Prime Minister of Italy until his death on June 6th, 1861
-Led the northern Italian states in a rebellion against Austria, and was very important in the fight for Italian Unification
-Worked with France to make France an ally in the rebellion against Austria -
Victor Emmanuel II
-Was the King of Sardinia-Piedmont from 1849-1861
-Was the King of Italy until his death on January 9th, 1878
-His education was mainly composed of military tactics and religion, and he was not very well educated in other subjects
-He allied with France to fight Austria, and was a key figure for Italian Unification -
Naples, Piedmont, Modena, Parma, and the Papal States Revolt
During the 1820's and 1830's, Naples, Piedmont, Modena, Parma, and the Papal States revolted, but the revolts weren't very successful. However, they did mark the start of revolutions for independence in the Italian states. -
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Italy is Unified
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Young Italy is Founded
In 1831, Giuseppe Mazzini founded Young Italy to overthrow the current rulers and create an Italian Republic. This is important because it was the start of many revolts that fought for the ideas of risorgimento, a movement of Italian nationalism that wanted to unite Italy -
The Revolution of 1848
In 1846, a new Pope was elected, and tensions rose. People believed they should not be so oppressed, and in 1848 Young Italy led uprisings against Austria. Though these uprisings were temporarily successful, they did not achieve lasting peace. -
Sardinia-Piedmont Begins to Support Risorgimento
Under the rule of King Emmanuel II and diplomat Camillo Benso di Cavour, the nation of Sardinia-Piedmont began to support the revolts. This is important because it was a turning point in the fight for Italian Unification. -
Cavour Leads Northern Italian States Against Austria
In 1859, Camillo Benso di Cavour led Sardina-Piedmont and several other northern Italian states against Austrian domination. After winning two key battles, Austria was forced to recognize their independence. France was an ally to the states, and was given the provinces of Nice and Savoy in exchange for their help. -
Cavour Resigns as Diplomat
In July 1859, Camillo Benso di Cavour resigned as Sardinia-Piedmont's diplomat. Many Italian nationalists were outraged after Veneto, a region of Italy, remained under Austrian rule due to a peace treaty. Cavour did not agree to these terms, and he resigned. -
Several Southern States Revolt
Under the guidance of Giuseppe Garibaldi, several southern states successfully revolted, and decided to annex themselves to Sardinia-Piedmont in 1860. At this point, Italy was beginning to be more unified. -
Cavour Named Prime Minister of Italy
Just two years after his resignation, King Victor Emmanuel II named Cavour Prime Minister of the newly formed Italian Nation. However, constant sickness and the stress of ruling Italy took a toll on Cavour, and he died on June 6th, 1861 -
Italy is Unified
In 1861, King Emmanuel II proclaimed the creation of a unified Italy, with a constitution and himself as head of state. It was successful. This is important because Italy was finally unified as an independent nation. -
The Last Provinces Join Italy
In 1866, Venice became the second-to-last province to join the new nation. Finally, in 1870, the Papal States became the last province to join. Finally, Italy was completely unified as one nation. -
Italy After Unification
Once Italy was fully unified in 1870, it struggled. As Italy was not economically wealthy, it was burdened by having to support many people and having to deal with rivaling states. However, Italy did become what the people had wanted: a unified nation.
