How did Italy achieved the unification? By: Sara Sastoque 8C
Why did it happened?
Who was affected and involved?
What happened?
Where did it happened?
Sources
Rise of Nationalism: The 19th century saw a surge in nationalistic sentiment across Europe. Italians, inspired by a shared language, culture, and history, yearned for a unified nation.
Economic and Political Discontent: Many Italian states suffered from economic crisis and lacked political representation, fueling calls for reform and unification. 
Foreign Domination: Much of Italy was under foreign control, particularly by the Austrian Empire, leading to resentment and a desire for independence.
Leadership and Strategy: The Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, under Cavour's leadership, provided crucial strategic direction, military strength, and diplomatic skills to achieve unification.
Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia: Ruled by Austria, a major obstacle to unification.
Kingdom of Two Sicilies: Ruled by the Bourbons
Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont: Led by King Victor Emmanuel II and Prime Minister Cavour.
Papal States: Governed by the Pope
Central Italian states: Tuscany, Modena, Parma, and Romagna, which joined through alliance
Unification and Challenges: In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, with Victor Emmanuel II as king. However, challenges remained:
Completion of Unification: In 1870, Rome, the Papal capital, was captured, and the unification process was largely complete. Venice joined in 1866.
Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont's Leadership: Under King Victor Emmanuel II and Prime Minister Cavour, Sardinia-Piedmont emerged as a pivotal player
Uprisings and Revolutions: Inspired by the ideals of liberty and nationalism sweeping Europe, Italian revolutionaries attempted to overthrow foreign rule and establish republics throughout the peninsula
1831: Giuseppe Mazzini forms Young Italy, a secret society advocating for a unified Italian republic.
1848: Widespread revolutions erupt across Italy, but ultimately fail due to Austrian intervention and internal divisions.
Modernization: They reformed their military and economy, making Sardinia-Piedmont a strong base for unification.
Strategic Alliances: Cavour forged alliances with France and Britain to gain military support against Austria.
Wars of Independence: Victories in the Second War of Independence (1859) and the Third War of Independence (1866) secured control of much of northern and central Italy.
Garibaldi's Redshirts: Led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, these volunteers captured southern Italy and Naples, paving the way for unification.
Papal States and Venice remained under foreign control.
Internal divisions existed between republicans and monarchists, north and south.
Affected
Involved
Foreign Powers: Austria, France, and Britain played significant roles through intervention, alliances, and conflicts.
Papacy: The loss of temporal power in Rome significantly impacted the Catholic Church and its relationship with the new Italian state.
Italian People: Millions witnessed the rise of national identity, revolutions, and wars. Some actively participated, while others were caught in the crossfire.
Giuseppe Garibaldi: Military leader and "Red Shirts" volunteers, conquering southern Italy.
Giuseppe Mazzini: Revolutionary leader advocating for a republican Italy through Young Italy movement.
King Victor Emmanuel II: Monarch of Sardinia-Piedmont, becoming the first king of unified Italy.
Camillo di Cavour: Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, used diplomacy and strategic alliances to expand territory.