How did Italy achieve the unification?
By: Sara Sastoque 8C

Causes

Challenges & Consequences

Conflicts & Events

Important characters:

Nationalism: Desire for a unified Italian nation with shared language, culture, and history.

Discontent with Foreign Rule: Opposition to Austrian dominance and fragmented political map. image

Liberal Ideals: Inspiration from French Revolution and American Revolution's ideas of liberty and self-determination. image

Giuseppe Mazzini: Revolutionary leader advocating for a republican Italy through Young Italy movement. image

Camillo di Cavour: Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, used diplomacy and strategic alliances to expand territory. image

Giuseppe Garibaldi: Military leader and "Red Shirts" volunteers, conquering southern Italy. image

King Victor Emmanuel II: Monarch of Sardinia-Piedmont, becoming the first king of unified Italy. image

Revolutions of 1848: Uprisings across Italy, ultimately unsuccessful but sparked nationalist fervor. image

First War of Independence (1859): Piedmont-France alliance defeats Austria, gaining Lombardy. image

Garibaldi's Expedition (1860): Conquest of Kingdom of Two Sicilies in southern Italy. image

Unification of Most of Italy (1861): Kingdom of Italy declared with Victor Emmanuel II as king. image

Third War of Independence (1866): Prussia defeats Austria, leading to Venetian annexation. image

Capture of Rome (1870): Papal States annexed, completing unification and making Rome the capital. image

Integration and Consolidation: Building a cohesive nation with diverse regional identities and political views. image

Economic and Social Development: Addressing poverty, illiteracy, and regional disparities.

Legacy: Unification laid the foundation for modern Italy, but also left issues like the "Southern Question" unresolved. image

Key events

Revolutions of 1848

Unsuccessful uprisings across Italy, but sparked national consciousness.

Emergence of key figures: Giuseppe Mazzini (republican), Camillo Benso di Cavour (monarchist).

Cavour's Approach

Modernization of Sardinia-Piedmont's economy and military.

Strategic alliances with France and Britain against Austria.

First War of Independence (1859): Victory over Austria with French aid, uniting northern Italy.

Garibaldi's "Red Shirts"

Unification of southern Italy through popular uprisings (1860-1861).

Giuseppe Garibaldi's charismatic leadership and guerilla tactics.

Final Steps

Capture of Rome and Papal States in 1870, completing unification.

Victor Emmanuel II becomes King of Italy in 1861, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Annexation of Venetia from Austria after the Third War of Independence (1866).

Sources