The Process of Unification of Italy

The unification of Italy, known as the Risorgimento (meaning “Resurgence” or “Revival”), was a long and complex process that took place between 1815 and 1871. Before unification, Italy was not a single country but a collection of independent states and kingdoms under foreign control, especially by Austria and the Pope. The dream of uniting these states into one strong and independent nation was shared by many Italian patriots, thinkers, and revolutionaries.

The process can be understood through several major phases and key personalities who played significant roles.

1. Background and Conditions before Unification

After the fall of Napoleon in 1815, the Congress of Vienna (1815) redrew the map of Europe and restored old monarchies. Italy was divided into several states:

• Kingdom of Sardinia (Piedmont) under the House of Savoy
• Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the south
• Papal States under the Pope
• Lombardy and Venetia, controlled by Austria
• Parma, Modena, and Tuscany, ruled by princes loyal to Austria

Foreign dominance, especially by Austria, and lack of political freedom caused growing resentment among the Italians.

1. Rise of Nationalism

In the early 19th century, the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity from the French Revolution inspired many Italians. Educated Italians and youth wanted to overthrow foreign rulers and unify Italy under a common government. Secret societies such as the Carbonari (charcoal burners) spread revolutionary ideas and planned uprisings, though most early revolts failed.

1. Role of Giuseppe Mazzini – The Prophet of Italian Unity

Giuseppe Mazzini was one of the earliest and most important leaders of Italian nationalism. He believed that Italy should be a democratic republic and not a monarchy. In 1831, he founded ‘Young Italy,’ a secret organization to unite all Italians under one free and independent republic.

Mazzini inspired young patriots across Italy and even in other European countries. Although many of his revolutionary attempts failed, his writings and speeches awakened the spirit of nationalism and unity among Italians. He was rightly called the “Soul of Italian Unification.”

1. Role of Count Camillo di Cavour – The Brain of Unification

While Mazzini worked as a revolutionary, Count Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of Sardinia (Piedmont), worked through diplomacy and politics. Cavour was a skilled statesman who believed that only a strong and modern monarchy could unite Italy.

Cavour strengthened the Kingdom of Sardinia economically and militarily. He modernized industries, built railways, and reformed the army. He also sought international support to defeat Austria, which was the main obstacle to unification.

Cavour cleverly allied with France under Napoleon III. In the War of 1859, Sardinia (with French help) defeated Austria, leading to the liberation of Lombardy. Soon, many central Italian states (Tuscany, Parma, Modena) joined Sardinia, expanding the kingdom’s territory.

1. Role of Giuseppe Garibaldi – The Sword of Unification

Giuseppe Garibaldi, a brave soldier and a follower of Mazzini, played a heroic role in the unification of Italy through his military campaigns. Garibaldi believed in people’s power and fought for Italian freedom both in Italy and abroad.

In 1860, Garibaldi organized his famous volunteer army called the ‘Red Shirts.’ With just about a thousand men, he sailed to Sicily and successfully defeated the Bourbon rulers of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. After liberating southern Italy, he handed over all the conquered territories to King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia, showing his loyalty to national unity.

Garibaldi’s selflessness and courage earned him the title “Sword of Italian Unification.”

1. Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy (1861)

By 1861, most of Italy was united under the leadership of King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia, who became the first King of united Italy. The capital was first established at Turin and later moved to Florence. The parliament of Italy met for the first time, marking the official creation of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861.

1. Completion of Unification

Though Italy was officially united in 1861, two important regions—Venetia and Rome—were still outside the kingdom.

• Venetia was under Austrian control. It was annexed in 1866, when Italy allied with Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War, and Austria was defeated.
• Rome was under the Pope, protected by French troops. In 1870, when France withdrew its soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War, Italian forces captured Rome. It became the capital of Italy in 1871, completing the unification process.

1. Results and Significance

The unification of Italy transformed a collection of divided and weak states into a powerful European nation. It ended centuries of foreign rule and inspired other nationalist movements across Europe. The efforts of Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi, and Victor Emmanuel II remain an inspiring example of how political vision, popular support, and sacrifice can build a nation.

Conclusion

The unification of Italy was not a single event but a long struggle combining revolutions, diplomacy, and wars. It required the ideas of Mazzini, the strategy of Cavour, the bravery of Garibaldi, and the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II. Together, their combined efforts gave birth to a new nation—Italy, united at last in 1871, standing proudly as one of the great powers of Europe.