Italian unification events History Timeline and Biographies

1815

Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna reestablished the political landscape of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. It reinstated many old monarchies in Italy, dividing the peninsula into various states and maintaining the status quo, which sparked early nationalist sentiments advocating for Italian unification events.

1831

Formation of Young Italy

Giuseppe Mazzini founded "Young Italy," a nationalist movement aiming to develop a united Italy. This organization promoted revolutionary activities to inspire the Italian populace to rise against foreign rule and the fragmentation of Italian territories, making it a significant precursor to later Italian unification events.

1848

Revolutions of 1848

The wave of revolutions across Europe reached Italy, where uprisings erupted in various states seeking independence and constitutional governments. Notably, the Lombard and Venetian uprisings against Austrian rule marked pivotal moments in the Italian unification events, although they ultimately failed in the short term.

1850

Cavour becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia

Count Camillo di Cavour was appointed Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, becoming a central figure in the Italian unification events. He sought to strengthen the kingdom and play a leading role in the unification, focusing on modernization and diplomacy to counter Austrian influence.

1859

Second Italian War of Independence

The Second Italian War of Independence broke out as Piedmont-Sardinia allied with France against Austria. Victories at the battles of Magenta and Solferino led to the defeat of Austria, resulting in the annexation of Lombardy, significantly advancing the Italian unification events.

1860

Expedition of the Thousand

Giuseppe Garibaldi led the Expedition of the Thousand, an effort to conquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. His successful campaign culminated in the unification of southern Italy with Piedmont-Sardinia, making it a monumental achievement in the Italian unification events.

1861

Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy

The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed on March 17, 1861, under King Victor Emmanuel II. This event marked a significant milestone in the Italian unification events, though several regions, including Venice and Rome, remained outside the new kingdom.

1866

Third Italian War of Independence

In 1866, Italy joined Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War, leading to the annexation of Venetia following Austria's defeat. This event was a critical step in the Italian unification events, bringing more territories under Italian control.

1870

Capture of Rome

The capture of Rome on September 20, 1870, was a defining moment in the Italian unification events. Italian troops breached the city’s walls, leading to the annexation of Rome into the Kingdom of Italy, completing the unification process and establishing Rome as the capital.

1871

Rome declared Capital of Italy

On July 2, 1871, the Italian Parliament officially declared Rome the capital of Italy. This decision symbolized the culmination of various Italian unification events, solidifying the nation's status and enhancing the integration of the newly unified states.

1915

Italy enters World War I

Italy entered World War I in 1915, viewing the conflict as an opportunity to gain territories that were historically Italian, such as Trentino and South Tyrol. The war efforts were significantly influenced by nationalist ideals stemming from the earlier Italian unification events.

1922

Rise of Fascism in Italy

The rise of Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party in 1922 marked a drastic political shift in Italy. The fascist regime, while consolidating power, sought to revive nationalistic fervor, often invoking themes from the Italian unification events as part of their propaganda.

1946

Referendum to Abolish Monarchy

Following World War II, a referendum held in 1946 resulted in the abolition of the monarchy in Italy, leading to the establishment of the Italian Republic. This transition was seen as a continuation of the struggles and ideals that fueled the Italian unification events over a century earlier.

2000

Celebrating the Centenary of Italian Unification

In 2011, Italy celebrated the 150th anniversary of its unification with various events and activities highlighting the historical significance of the Italian unification events. It served to reflect on Italy's journey and the implications of unification on contemporary Italian identity.