Briefly trace the process of the unification of Italy?
Answers
Answer:
1) Political Fragmentation: Like Germany, Italy was also politically fragmented. During the middle of the 19th century, Italy was divided into seven states, of which only one, Sardinia- Piedmont was ruled by an Italian Prince.
2) Role of Mazzini: Giuseppe Mazzini made efforts to unite Italian Republic. He had formed a secret society called ‘Young Italy’ for achieving his goal.
3) Role of Count Cavour: He was the chief minister who led the movement to unify Italy. He formed a tactful diplomatic alliance with France and defeated the Austrian forces.
4) Role of Giuseppe Garibaldi: Garibaldi also formed armed volunteers. In 1860, they marched into South Italy and the Kingdoms of Two Sicilies and succeeded in driving out the Spanish rulers.
5) In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of United Italy.
Giuseppe Mazzini inititated a unification programme but it failed.
Then Chief Minister Cavour led the movement with the help of Giuseppe Garibaldi and succeeded in defeating Austrian forces in 1859.
In 1860,Garibaldi marched into South Italy and kingdom of two Sicillies and succeeded in winning support of local peasants in order to drive out Spanish rulers.
In 1861,Victor Emmanuel 2nd was proclaimed the king of United Italy.