The **Unification of Italy**, known affectionately as the **Risorgimento** (meaning "Resurgence" or "Revival") in Italian, was a profound 19th-century political and social movement that saw the various independent states scattered across the **Italian Peninsula** coalesce into a single, unified nation: the **Kingdom of Italy**. This monumental process, sparked by the spirit of rebellion against the status quo established by the Congress of Vienna in the 1820s and 1830s, gained significant momentum with the Revolutions of 1848. Its traditional completion date is marked as 1871, following the definitive **Capture of Rome** and its subsequent designation as the capital of the nascent kingdom. However, the story doesn't quite end there for some historians. Many argue that the unification extended beyond 1871, as certain territories identified as *terre irredente* (unredeemed lands) did not join the **Kingdom of Italy** until 1918, after Italy's victory over Austria-Hungary in World War I. This more expansive view of the unification, concluding with the Armistice of Villa Giusti on November 4, 1918, is indeed the narrative proudly presented at the Central Museum of the **Risorgimento** within Rome's iconic Vittoriano complex.

Victor Emmanuel II: The First King of United Italy

At the heart of this transformative period stood **Victor Emmanuel II**, born Vittorio Emanuele Maria Alberto Eugenio Ferdinando Tommaso di Savoia in Turin on March 14, 1820. He served as **King of Sardinia** from 1849 until March 17, 1861, a truly pivotal date when he ascended to the grand title of **King of Italy**. This made him the first monarch to rule an independent, united Italy since the distant 6th century, a crown he wore with distinction until his death in 1878. Revered by his people, he was bestowed with the venerable epithet of "Father of the Fatherland" (Padre della Patria), echoing the ancient Latin title *Pater Patriae* once held by Roman emperors.

From Piedmont-Sardinia to a Kingdom

As the eldest son of Charles Albert, Prince of Carignano, and Maria Theresa of Austria, **Victor Emmanuel II** was no stranger to conflict. He actively participated in the **First Italian War of Independence** (1848–1849) before inheriting the throne of **Piedmont-Sardinia** upon his father's abdication. A shrewd political operator, he swiftly appointed **Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour**, as his Prime Minister, a partnership that would prove indispensable to the unification cause. Together, they worked to consolidate his position, notably by quashing republican opposition, thereby securing a stable base for the future **Kingdom of Italy**.

Strategic Alliances and Expanding Influence

Victor Emmanuel II skillfully navigated the complex geopolitical landscape of 19th-century Europe. In 1855, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach, he dispatched an expeditionary corps to join French and British forces during the **Crimean War**. The courage displayed by these Italian troops in battles such as the Chernaya (August 16, 1855) and during the siege of Sevastopol earned **Sardinia** a seat at the subsequent peace conference. This crucial diplomatic stage allowed **Cavour** to raise the pressing issue of **Italian unification** before other European powers, paving the way for a vital alliance between **Victor Emmanuel** and **Napoleon III**, the Emperor of France. This alliance proved instrumental in the **Second Italian War of Independence**, which successfully liberated Lombardy from Austrian dominion.

Garibaldi, Rome, and the Final Push

The path to unity was further energized by **Giuseppe Garibaldi**, a legendary figure whose **Expedition of the Thousand** (1860–1861) saw the rapid collapse of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in southern Italy. While **Garibaldi**'s daring campaign threatened to sweep into Rome, still held by the **Papal States** under French protection, **Victor Emmanuel** prudently intervened, halting his advance to avoid a direct confrontation with France. Meanwhile, popular referendums in 1860 led to Tuscany, Modena, Parma, and Romagna voting to join **Sardinia-Piedmont**. Following the decisive Battle of Castelfidardo against Papal forces, **Victor Emmanuel** marched victoriously through Marche and Umbria. This bold move, however, led to his excommunication from the Catholic Church, a censure that lasted until his death in 1878. A historic meeting at Teano saw **Garibaldi** formally hand over control of southern Italy, solidifying **Victor Emmanuel's** claim and his proclamation as the first **King of Italy** on March 17, 1861.

The final pieces of the puzzle fell into place over the next decade. In 1866, the **Third Italian War of Independence** allowed Italy to annex Veneto. Four years later, in 1870, **Victor Emmanuel** shrewdly seized the opportunity presented by the Prussian victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War. With French troops withdrawing from Rome, the **Papal States** became vulnerable, and **Victor Emmanuel**'s forces conquered the city. He made his triumphant entry into **Rome** on September 20, 1870, officially establishing it as the new capital on July 2, 1871. He passed away in **Rome** in 1878 and was laid to rest in the Pantheon, a fitting tribute to a monarch who had transformed a fragmented peninsula into a nation. Today, the majestic Italian national **Victor Emmanuel II monument** in Rome, also known as the **Altare della Patria**, stands as a grand testament to his enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Italian Unification

What was the Italian Unification?

The Italian Unification, or **Risorgimento**, was a 19th-century political and social movement that saw the various independent states of the **Italian Peninsula** consolidate into a single state, the **Kingdom of Italy**.

When did the Italian Unification take place?

The process began with rebellions in the 1820s-1830s, gained momentum after the Revolutions of 1848, and traditionally concluded in 1871 with the **Capture of Rome**. Some historians extend this period to 1918, including the annexation of *terre irredente* after World War I.

Who was **Victor Emmanuel II**?

**Victor Emmanuel II** was the **King of Sardinia** who became the first **King of Italy** on March 17, 1861, ruling until his death in 1878. He played a crucial role in leading the unification movement.

What does Risorgimento mean?

**Risorgimento** is an Italian word meaning "Resurgence" or "Revival," reflecting the nationalist desire to revive Italy's past glory as a united nation.

Who were the key figures in the Italian Unification?

Key figures included **Victor Emmanuel II**, his Prime Minister **Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour**, and the revolutionary general **Giuseppe Garibaldi**.

What were the **Papal States**?

The **Papal States** were territories in central Italy directly governed by the Pope. Their conquest by **Victor Emmanuel II** in 1870 was the final major step in completing the **Italian Unification**.

What does *terre irredente* mean?

*Terre irredente* is an Italian term meaning "unredeemed lands," referring to territories with an Italian-speaking population that were not included in the initial **Kingdom of Italy** and whose annexation became a goal of later Italian nationalism.