The Shocking History Behind When Italy Became a Unified Country

Italy’s unification, known as the Risorgimento, is a fascinating and complicated tale of political ambition, military conflict, and diplomatic maneuvering. For much of its history, Italy was not a single unified country but rather a collection of city-states, kingdoms, and territories controlled by different powers. This blog will delve into Italy’s journey toward unification, examining the historical forces and individuals that played a crucial role in the process. But first, let’s explore the situation in Italy before unification.

The Fragmented Italy Before Unification

Before becoming a unified country, Italy was fragmented into various regions and city-states. The Italian Peninsula, while rich in culture, history, and influence, was politically divided. For centuries, Italy had been under the control of different foreign powers, such as the Spanish, the Austrians, and the French. Some of the most significant territories included:

• The Kingdom of Sardinia: A powerful and strategically placed kingdom in the northwestern part of the peninsula.
• The Papal States: Central Italy, including Rome, was controlled by the Pope.
• The Kingdom of Naples: Located in the south, it included both southern Italy and Sicily.
• Various small city-states: Venice, Florence, and Milan were some of the most famous ones, each with its unique rulers and influence.

This fragmentation made it impossible for Italy to function as a cohesive, unified country. The lack of centralized power and unity was also evident in the diverse cultures, dialects, and traditions across different regions. The idea of creating a united Italy was not prevalent until the early 19th century.

The Influence of Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars

One of the earliest influences on the idea of Italian unification came from Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. When Napoleon rose to power, he sought to spread the ideas of the French Revolution across Europe. These ideas included liberty, equality, and fraternity, and they had a profound impact on Italy.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Napoleon invaded Italy, leading to the creation of the Cisalpine Republic and the Kingdom of Italy under his rule. Although Napoleon was an outsider, his rule over much of Italy brought about significant political changes. The French encouraged the formation of republics and abolished old feudal structures, setting the stage for more modern, nationalistic thinking.

However, Napoleon’s reign came to an end in 1815 after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Following Napoleon’s fall, the Congress of Vienna sought to restore the old European order, and Italy was once again divided into several kingdoms and states. Nevertheless, the ideas of nationalism and republicanism spread across Italy, sowing the seeds for future unification.

The Rise of Nationalism and the Push for Unification

In the early 19th century, the idea of Italian unification began to take root. Nationalism—the belief that people who share a common culture, language, and history should form a unified nation—gained momentum across Europe. Many Italians began to see themselves not just as subjects of individual rulers, but as part of a larger Italian identity. The failure to create a united Italy under Napoleon gave rise to new movements and ideas aimed at unifying the country.

One of the most significant contributors to the nationalist movement was Giuseppe Mazzini. Mazzini was a passionate advocate for Italian unification and the creation of a republic. In 1831, Mazzini founded the Young Italy movement, which sought to inspire Italians to rise up against foreign rule and unite their country. Mazzini’s vision for Italy was a democratic republic, where the people had the power to govern.

However, Mazzini’s efforts were not immediately successful. The movement failed to ignite widespread rebellion, and the kingdoms and foreign powers that controlled Italy were still firmly entrenched. Despite these early setbacks, Mazzini’s ideas continued to influence future generations of Italian nationalists.

The Role of the Kingdom of Sardinia

While Mazzini’s vision of a republic was appealing to many Italians, it was the Kingdom of Sardinia, led by King Victor Emmanuel II, that would ultimately play the central role in Italy’s unification. Sardinia was one of the few Italian states with a strong monarchy and an organized military. The king’s ability to gather support from other European powers would prove crucial in achieving unification.

Count Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of Sardinia, was another key figure in the unification process. Cavour was an astute diplomat and politician who sought to unite Italy under the leadership of Sardinia. His strategy focused on gaining the support of other European powers, particularly France.

In the mid-19th century, the balance of power in Europe was shifting, and the Austrian Empire was one of the major powers. Austria controlled large parts of northern Italy, and Cavour knew that any effort to unify Italy would require dealing with Austrian influence. Cavour’s diplomatic efforts led to a crucial alliance with France.

The Franco-Sardinian Alliance and the War with Austria

In 1859, Sardinia, with the help of France, went to war with Austria. This conflict, known as the Second Italian War of Independence, was a pivotal moment in the unification of Italy. The war ended with a decisive victory over the Austrians, and Lombardy (a region in northern Italy) was ceded to Sardinia. While the war did not achieve full unification, it was a critical step toward the consolidation of Italian territories under Sardinian leadership.

During this time, Giuseppe Garibaldi, a passionate nationalist and military leader, also played a critical role in the unification process. Garibaldi was a hero in the eyes of many Italians, known for his daring military campaigns. One of his most significant achievements came in 1860 when he led the Expedition of the Thousand, a volunteer army that successfully conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (southern Italy). Garibaldi’s forces were largely composed of volunteers, many of whom were inspired by the dream of a united Italy.

Garibaldi’s victory in the south was a turning point in the unification process. After his success, he handed over the territories he had conquered to King Victor Emmanuel II, recognizing the king as the legitimate ruler of all of Italy. While Garibaldi had initially supported a republican form of government, he ultimately decided that a unified kingdom under the monarchy of Sardinia was the best path forward.

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy

In 1861, after Garibaldi’s success in the south, Italy was officially proclaimed a unified kingdom under King Victor Emmanuel II. The new kingdom was a constitutional monarchy, with the king serving as the head of state. However, the unification process was far from complete. Italy still lacked some crucial territories, such as Venice and Rome.

The Final Stages of Unification

The completion of Italy’s unification came in two significant stages. The first occurred in 1866 when Venice was added to Italy following the Austro-Prussian War. The war between Austria and Prussia resulted in Austria losing Venice, which was subsequently ceded to Italy.

The final stage of unification took place in 1870, when Italy took control of Rome. At the time, Rome was still under the control of the Papal States and the authority of the Pope. However, the withdrawal of French troops, who had been stationed in Rome to protect the pope, during the Franco-Prussian War created an opportunity for Italian forces to capture the city. Rome became the capital of Italy, and the unification of the country was officially complete.

Italy as a Unified Nation

By 1871, Italy was a unified nation-state. The Kingdom of Italy included all the major regions of the Italian Peninsula, from the southern island of Sicily to the northern region of Trentino. However, the process of unification had left many challenges for the new nation to overcome. The country was still divided along regional lines, with the north being wealthier and more industrialized than the impoverished south. The political and economic disparities between these regions would continue to create tensions throughout Italy’s history.

Despite these challenges, the unification of Italy represented a major shift in European politics. Italy became a significant power in the region, joining the ranks of other European nations. The country’s national identity began to emerge, and the symbols of unity, such as the flag and the national anthem, became central to Italian culture.

Challenges After Unification

Although Italy was now a unified country, it faced several challenges. One of the most pressing issues was the difference in development between the north and south. The north was more industrialized and had a higher standard of living, while the south remained largely agricultural and underdeveloped. This economic disparity led to social unrest, with the southern regions feeling neglected by the central government in the north.

Political instability was another issue. Italy experienced frequent changes in government, with numerous short-lived administrations. The monarchy also struggled to maintain its power and legitimacy in the face of growing social and political movements, including the rise of socialism and labor unrest.

The Legacy of Italian Unification

The legacy of Italy’s unification is still felt today. It laid the foundation for the modern Italian state and contributed to the formation of a strong Italian national identity. Italy’s history of fragmentation and division makes its unification even more remarkable. Despite facing numerous challenges, Italy’s unification ultimately succeeded in creating a united, independent nation that played a key role in European politics.

In the years that followed, Italy became a significant player on the global stage, particularly during the two World Wars. While the early years of unification were marked by political and social turmoil, Italy’s eventual stability and development made it one of the leading countries in Europe by the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Italy take so long to become unified?
Italy was divided for centuries due to foreign control, regional differences, and competing powers. Nationalism grew slowly, and unification required significant diplomatic and military efforts.

2. Who were the main figures behind Italy’s unification?
Key figures included Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Count Camillo di Cavour, and King Victor Emmanuel II.

3. What year did Italy become a unified country?
Italy became a unified country in 1861, with the final stages of unification completed in 1870 when Rome was incorporated.

4. What role did France play in Italy’s unification?
France played a significant role by helping Sardinia defeat Austria in the Second Italian War of Independence. France also helped in the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

5. How did Garibaldi contribute to Italy’s unification?
Garibaldi led military campaigns that liberated southern Italy, allowing the Kingdom of Sardinia to absorb these territories into the unified kingdom.

Italy’s journey to unification was long and challenging, involving a series of wars, political negotiations, and the efforts of several influential figures. While the country’s divisions had persisted for centuries, the forces of nationalism, combined with the strategic efforts of leaders like Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi, and King Victor Emmanuel II, eventually led to the creation of a unified Italian state in 1861. The process was completed in 1870, when Rome became the capital of the newly unified kingdom.

Italy’s unification had lasting consequences for the country and Europe as a whole. It reshaped Italian identity, contributed to the rise of modern nationalism, and established Italy as a key player in European politics. The legacy of the Risorgimento remains an essential part of Italy’s national consciousness today.