In the early 1840s, Italy experienced a transformative period known as the Risorgimento, where various states on the Peninsula came together to form a unified Kingdom of Italy through the efforts of different social and political movements. While Giuseppe Garibaldi’s attempt to establish an independent democratic Italy was not successful, Giuseppe Mazzini emerged as one of the most accomplished leaders in the unification process.
What is the Unification of Italy?
The unification of Italy was started in 1815 in Vienna and 1871, Rome became the new capital of Italy then the total process of unification was completed. It was a two-step procedure; first was to gain freedom from Austria and second was the process of independent states of Italy into a single domain. These divisions of the Italian Peninsula helped the process of the unification of Italy. The beginning of Italian unification was the Austrian-Franco War, which occurred in the year of 1859.
Cavour led the process of unification by a diplomatic alliance in France and it started while forming a new united Europe and Italy by Giuseppe Mazzini. The process of unification of Italy started through generating votes for the locals in northern states under Italy from 1859 to 1860. It was a major step to join the domain of Sardinia through the Italian unification. The important impetus towards the unification came as a reform by the French army while they pressurized the central Italian states during the Napoleonic and French wars (1796-1815).
Background
In the fascinating historical journey of Italy, the Italian Peninsula underwent a remarkable transformation. Back in 476 AD, various states emerged following the reign of the Roman king. Fast forward to 1830, Italy experienced a wave of unification, sparking French revolutions in different Italian regions. Enter Giuseppe Garibaldi, a passionate democrat who, in 1848, courageously led an insurrection, though unfortunately, it faced repeated setbacks. Undeterred, Garibaldi rallied support for Victor Emmanuel 2, orchestrating a triumphant return to Italy with volunteers from Naples and Sicily.
The turning point came in 1860 when Garibaldi’s Redshirts army achieved success, capturing Naples and Sicily. Simultaneously, the northern states embraced Victor Emmanuel 2 as their emperor, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, encompassing Sicily and Naples. Yet, challenges remained as Rome and Venice remained under foreign rule. It wasn’t until 1871, with the capital’s relocation to Rome, that the unification of Italy reached its zenith, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s rich history.
Timeline of Unification of Italy
The timeline of Italian unification is described below:
1849 – In this year, Venice faced a tough defeat at the hands of the Austrian army, causing significant suffering among the people of Venetia.
1858 – Cavour and Napoleon III joined forces to plan a war against Austria, aiming to secure Venetia, Lombardy, Modena, and Parma for Italy.
1859 – A pivotal year where Cavour returned to Venetia, but Napoleon III withdrew from the war with Austria. Sardinia successfully captured Modena, Tuscany, Parma, and took control of Lombardy.
1860 – Sardinia expanded its influence by capturing central Italian states and offering Savoy and Nice to the French.This year marked a significant event as Emmanuel II became the first emperor of Italy with the support of Garibaldi and the Redshirt army. Garibaldi, with assistance from the British government, established Palermo as the capital after securing Sicily. Later, he handed over power to the king after gaining control of Naples.
1861 – The passing of Camillo Di Cavour marked this year. Despite his efforts, the Papal States remained outside Italy’s control, but an official kingdom was established in Venetia.
1867 – Garibaldi’s attempt to acquire the Papal States and Rome failed, facing suppression of the revolution in Rome.
1870 – The Italian army gradually advanced towards Rome, capturing the city and establishing their authority forcefully.
1871 – The completion of Italy’s unification was marked by moving the capital to Rome, solidifying the nation’s unity.
Leaders in Unification of Italy
The journey towards Italy’s unification brought forth remarkable leaders like Giuseppe Garibaldi, Giuseppe Mazzini, and Cavour, each leaving an indelible mark on world history. Among them, Giuseppe Garibaldi stands out as a passionate and deeply involved leader. Following the 1848 revolution in Italy, Garibaldi, with his charismatic appeal, rallied numerous volunteers who fervently supported Italy’s quest for independence. This commitment persisted even after the tumultuous events of the First World War, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic. Garibaldi aligned himself with the vision of a united Italy as a lasting monarchy, championing the ideals of Giuseppe Mazzini. Notably, his triumph over the United Kingdom and royal troops, aided by local reinforcements, showcased his determination and prowess in the pursuit of Italian unification.
Conclusion
The story of Italy’s unification is like a captivating journey that led to the capture of Rome, following the annexation of Trieste, Trentino, and Friuli at the close of World War I. This significant event, officially known as the Italian War of Independence, marked a pivotal moment when the capital shifted from Florence to Rome in 1871. The Risorgimento, a term that sweetly describes the Italian movement fostering unity among the states in 1819, played a crucial role. It lent support to Emperor Victor Emmanuel 2, paving the way for him to become the cherished first emperor of Italy.
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