I) 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.

ii) Role ofMazzini: Giuseppe Mazzini made efforts to unite Italian Republic. He had formed a secret society called ‘Young Italy’ for achieving his goal.

iii) 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.
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.

iv) In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of United Italy.

That's all🙂

Unification Process of Italy

Italy was a divided nation until the 19th century, with various regions under foreign rule and others ruled by local princes. The unification process of Italy was a long and complex process that lasted for several decades and involved various political, social, and economic factors.

Factors that led to the Unification of Italy

- Nationalism: The idea of a united Italy began to gain momentum during the 19th century, driven by the concept of nationalism. People began to identify themselves as Italian, rather than as belonging to a particular region or city-state.

- Economic Changes: The rise of a capitalist economy, along with industrialization, led to the growth of a new middle class. This class played a significant role in the unification process, as they were eager to see Italy become a unified and powerful nation.

- Political Movements: Various political movements emerged during the 19th century, promoting the idea of a unified Italy. These movements were often led by intellectuals and liberals who believed that a united Italy would be better able to compete with other European nations.

Key Figures in the Unification Process

- Giuseppe Garibaldi: A revolutionary leader who played a significant role in the unification process. He led the Redshirts, a group of volunteers who fought for Italian unification.

- Camillo di Cavour: An Italian statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia. He was a key figure in the unification process, working to strengthen Piedmont-Sardinia and forming alliances with other European powers.

- Victor Emmanuel II: The first king of a united Italy, he played a crucial role in the final stages of the unification process.

Stages of the Unification Process

- The Risorgimento: This was a period of political and social upheaval that began in the early 19th century and lasted until the unification of Italy in 1870.

- The Wars of Independence: These were a series of conflicts that took place between 1848 and 1866, as various Italian states fought for independence from foreign rule.

- The Role of Piedmont-Sardinia: Piedmont-Sardinia played a crucial role in the unification process, as it was the most powerful and economically developed Italian state.

- The Capture of Rome: The final stage of the unification process, as Italian forces captured the city of Rome in 1870 and established it as the capital of a united Italy.

In conclusion, the unification process of Italy was a long and complex process that involved various factors, including nationalism, economic changes, and political movements. Key figures such as Garibaldi, Cavour, and Victor Emmanuel II played a crucial role in the process, which was characterized by the Risorgimento, the Wars of Independence, the role of Piedmont-Sardinia, and the capture of Rome.