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Kingdom Adopts Liberal Constitution
Italian nationalists looked for leadership from the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, the largest and most powerful of the Italian states. The kingdom had adopted a liberal constitution in 1848. So, to the liberal Italian middle classes, unification under Piedmont-Sardinia seemed a good plan. -
King of Sardinia names Count Camillo di Cavour of Prime Minister
Sardinia’s king named Count Camillo di Cavour as his prime minister. Cavour was a cunning statesman who worked tirelessly to expand Piedmont-Sardinia’s power. Using skillful diplomacy and wellchosen alliances he set about gaining control of northern Italy for Sardinia. -
Napolleon III Agrees to Help Drive Austria out of Northern Italian Provinces
The French emperor Napoleon III agreed to help drive Austria out of the northern Italian provinces. Cavour then provoked a war with the Austrians. A combined French-Sardinian army won two quick victories.Sardinia succeeded in taking all of northern Italy, except Venetia. -
A Small Army of Italian Nationalists, Led by Guiseppe Garibaldi, Captured Sicily
A small army of Italian nationalists led by a bold and visionary soldier, Giuseppe Garibaldi captured Sicily. In battle, Garibaldi always wore a bright red shirt, as did his followers. As a result, they became known as the Red Shirts. -
Venetia Becomes Part of Italy
The Austrian province of Venetia, which included the city of Venice, became part of Italy -
Italian Forces Took Over the Last Part, The Papal States
Italian forces took over the last part of a territory known as the Papal States. With this victory, the city of Rome came under Italian control. Soon after, Rome became the capital of the united kingdom of Italy. The pope, however, would continue to govern a section of Rome known as Vatican City.
