Process of Italian unification History Timeline and Biographies

Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna established the political boundaries in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon, leading to the fragmentation of Italy into various states under foreign influence, which set the stage for the later Process of Italian unification.

Formation of Young Italy

Giuseppe Mazzini founded the movement "Young Italy," advocating for a unified Italian republic. This movement played a crucial role in igniting nationalist sentiments that fueled the Process of Italian unification.

Revolutions of 1848

A series of revolutions erupted across Europe, including Italy, where various states experienced uprisings against foreign rule and calls for unification. Although these revolts were largely unsuccessful, they marked a significant moment in the Process of Italian unification.

Cavour Becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia

Count Camillo di Cavour was appointed Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, where he began to implement policies aimed at strengthening the state and promoting the Process of Italian unification through diplomacy and strategic alliances.

Second Italian War of Independence

Piedmont-Sardinia, allied with France, fought against Austria in the Second Italian War of Independence. Victories at battles such as Magenta and Solferino significantly advanced the Process of Italian unification, leading to the annexation of Lombardy.

Expedition of the Thousand

Giuseppe Garibaldi led the Expedition of the Thousand, a volunteer army that captured Sicily and Naples, contributing to the unification of southern Italy with the rest of the territories in the Process of Italian unification.

Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy

On March 17, 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed, marking a significant milestone in the Process of Italian unification, with Victor Emmanuel II as its first king.

Third Italian War of Independence

Italy allied with Prussia against Austria in the Third Italian War of Independence, resulting in the acquisition of Venice. This further solidified the Process of Italian unification by incorporating more territories into the kingdom.

Capture of Rome

In September 1870, Italian troops captured Rome, which became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. This event marked the completion of the Process of Italian unification, as it united the entire Italian Peninsula under one rule.

Rome Becomes Capital of Italy

Following the capture of Rome, the city was officially declared the capital of Italy in 1871, symbolizing the success of the Process of Italian unification and the establishment of a unified Italian state.

Italy Enters World War I

Italy's entry into World War I was influenced by nationalistic sentiments stemming from the Process of Italian unification, as the country sought to assert its place in Europe and reclaim irredentist territories.

Referendum for Italian Republic

Following World War II, a referendum was held in 1946, resulting in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Italian Republic, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Process of Italian unification in shaping modern Italy.

Celebration of the 160th Anniversary of Unification

Italy celebrated the 160th anniversary of its unification, reflecting on the historical significance and ongoing impact of the Process of Italian unification on Italian identity and society.