The unification of Italy in the 19th century is a pivotal chapter in European history, marked by strategic diplomacy, military campaigns, and significant territorial shifts. The journey towards a unified Italy was complex and involved key figures and political maneuvers that changed the course of the region’s future.
Early Moves Towards Italian Unification
In 1855, Count Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of Sardinia, made a strategic decision to send Sardinian troops to support the French in the Crimean War. This move was part of a broader plan to gain French favor and aid in Sardinia’s struggle against Austrian dominance in northern Italy. The alliance with France proved fruitful when, in return for the territories of Nice and Savoy, France agreed to support Sardinia if Austria could be provoked into declaring war.
The Austro-Sardinian War and its Aftermath
Cavour’s diplomatic efforts to isolate Austria and create a pretext for war eventually paid off. In 1859, after mobilizing Sardinian troops near the Austrian border, Austria issued an ultimatum, which was followed by a declaration of war. The conflict, known as the Second Italian War of Independence, ended with a decisive victory for the combined French and Sardinian forces. The Treaty of Zurich resulted in Austria ceding Lombardy to France, which then passed it on to Sardinia. In exchange, Sardinia transferred Nice and Savoy to French control.
The Surge of Italian Nationalism
The success against Austria ignited a wave of nationalism across the Italian peninsula. Numerous Italian states began to overthrow their ruling monarchies and opted to join the expanding Kingdom of Sardinia. This surge in unification efforts was further propelled by Giuseppe Garibaldi, a renowned nationalist and military leader.
Garibaldi’s Expedition and the Conquest of Southern Italy
In 1860, Garibaldi embarked on a daring campaign with his famous “Red Shirts,” a volunteer force of 1,000 men. They set sail from Piedmont and quickly gained control over Sicily and Southern Italy. As Garibaldi’s forces marched towards Rome, Cavour grew concerned about Garibaldi’s growing power and influence. To prevent him from potentially seizing control of the entire peninsula, Cavour dispatched a Sardinian army to invade the Papal States, leading to their annexation, with the exception of Rome.
Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
The successful expansion of Sardinia’s territory and the incorporation of various Italian states culminated in the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Victor Emmanuel II, the King of Sardinia, became the first king of a united Italy. However, the unification was not yet complete, as Venice and Rome remained outside the new kingdom’s domain.
Further Territorial Gains and the Capture of Rome
Italy’s quest for complete unification continued as it allied with Prussia during the Seven Weeks’ War against Austria in 1866. Following the war, the Treaty of Vienna forced Austria to cede Venetia to Italy. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in 1870 when French troops, which had been protecting the Papal States, withdrew from Rome due to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. Italian forces seized this opportunity and captured Rome, making it the capital of the unified nation. The Pope was confined to the Vatican City, marking the end of the Papal States’ temporal power.
Questions for UPSC
– How did international alliances and wars influence the process of Italian unification?
– What role did nationalism play in unifying the various Italian states, and how did leaders like Cavour and Garibaldi contribute to this sentiment?
– What were the implications of Rome becoming the capital of unified Italy, both for the Italian state and for the Papacy?