The unification of Italy was a complex process that involved strategic alliances, political maneuvering, and military confrontations. Central to this process was the astute leadership of Count Camillo di Cavour, who sought to expel Austrian influence from Italy not through insurrection but by gaining powerful allies.
Seeking Alliances
Cavour understood that Austria’s expulsion from Italy could only be achieved with substantial military force, and such force required the support of powerful European nations. To this end, he actively sought alliances that could bolster Italy’s position. His opportunity came during the Crimean War when Italy, under Cavour’s guidance, sided with England and France against Russia. This move proved pivotal as it laid the groundwork for Italy to gain international sympathy at the Paris Peace Conference following the war.
The Treaty with Napoleon III
One of Cavour’s most significant achievements was persuading Emperor Napoleon III of France to support the Italian cause. In 1858, they signed a treaty in which Napoleon III agreed to assist Italy in its struggle against Austria. The price for French support was the cession of Savoy and Nice to France, but Cavour deemed it a necessary sacrifice for the greater goal of unification.
The War with Austria and Its Aftermath
Austria, perceiving the threat from Sardinia’s military preparations under Cavour, declared war. The conflict that ensued saw the French army, led by Napoleon III, joining forces with the Italians. The Austrians suffered defeats at the battles of Solferino and Magenta in 1859. However, in a sudden move, Napoleon III ceased hostilities and brokered the peace of Villafranca. The treaty was unfavorable to Italian aspirations, but it did force Austria to cede Lombardy to Sardinia, a significant victory for the Italian cause.
Italian States Rally to Sardinia
The success against Austria, though achieved with French assistance, inspired other Italian states. Regions such as Tuscany, Modena, Parma, and Romagna ousted their ruling princes and expressed a desire to unite with Sardinia. This groundswell of support played a crucial role in propelling the movement towards a united Italy forward.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did Cavour’s diplomatic strategies differ from the insurrectionary methods of Mazzini, and what were the outcomes of such strategies?
2. What were the implications of the peace of Villafranca for the Italian unification movement, and how did it affect the morale of the Italian states?
3. In the context of national unification, assess the significance of external support and alliances as demonstrated by the relationship between Cavour and Napoleon III.