The ideal of Italian unification, also called the Risorgimento, developed during the French Revolution and Napoleonic rule of Italy. The supporters hoped to unite all Italian-speaking people in a single country.
The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia was the most modern kingdom in Italy. After 1849, King Victor Emmanuel I and Prime Minister Camillo di Cavour worked for unification. To gain an alliance with France against Austria, they give Nice and Savoy to France.
Following French-Sardinian victory over Austria, uprisings in Tuscany, Parma, Modena, and Lucca overthrew pro-Austrian leaders. Garibaldi's invasion of the Two Sicilies forced that king from power. To prevent Garibaldi from attacking Rome, which would alienate the French, the Sardinians invaded the eastern Papal States and joined Garibaldi. The Italian countries voted to join the Kingdom of Italy except Venetia (under Austrian rule), Rome (ruled by the Pope), and San Marino.
Prussia, hoping to unify the German kingdoms, formed an alliance with Italy. Prussian victory near Vienna gave Italy Venetia.
Popes were both the head of the worldwide Catholic Church and the absolute ruler of Papal States in central Italy. After the 1848 revolution temporarily overthrew him, Pope Pius IX opposed all democracy in the Papal States. Nationalists continued to threaten his rule.
In 1870 Italy invaded Rome. Pius refused to acknowledge Italy or leave his palace. Not until the Vatican City State was established in 1929, did Popes leave their palace.
In 1870 Italy invaded Rome. Pius refused to acknowledge Italy or leave his palace. Not until the Vatican City State was established in 1929, did Popes leave their palace.
The tiny country of San Marino had been a haven for revolutionaries from the Papal States including Garibaldi. In gratitude for protection, Italy recognized the independence of San Marino. San Marino remains independent today.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was one of the most popular nationalists in Italy. He led several revolts in favor of an Italian republic before 1848. In 1848 and 1849, he fought against Austria and the Pope but was defeated. In 1860 he invaded Sicily with his private army called the Red Shirts and turned over the region to the Kingdom of Italy.