1. The Unification of Italy
Key Individuals

2. Giuseppe Mazzini Born in Genoa Studied to be a lawyer
Became member of the Carbonari in 1827
Led failed attempts at revolution during the 1830s
Founded ‘Young Italy’
Elected to the Triumvirate in 1849
Criticised new Italian state after 1870

3. What were Mazzini’s aims?
Wanted democratic independent Italian Republic
Encouraged people to see themselves as part of a nation
Had concept of ‘Third Rome’ – a civilising influence on the world

4. What were Mazzini’s methods?
‘Education and revolution’
Sought support from young educated m/class
Constitutional monarchies seen as stop-gap only
Italian people to drive the Austrians out
Hoped that publicity and propaganda would create revolutionary class

5. How big an impact did Mazzini have on the Unification of Italy?
Gave encouragement to Italian patriotism
Presented new view of Italy
Inspired Garibaldi to join movement
Helped to win international publicity for Italian freedom. Defence of Rome in 1849 was heroic failure
By his actions put pressure on Cavour and others to act more positively

6. How successful was Mazzini?
Had little practical experience
Overestimated level of support – ignored problems of the peasants
Support was limited – used Carbonari methods
All his plots failed!
Some middle class alienated by his revolutionary stance
Made no attempt to win support from peasants and town workers

7. Mazzini’s verdict on Italy, 1871
Italian territory under foreign control
Foreigners had played too important a role in unification
Unhappy with new constitution

8. Count Emilio Cavour Member of Piedmontese ruling class
Great admirer of British system of government
Initially aimed at expanding Piedmont rather than uniting Italy

9. Cavour – Foreign Policy
Aware of shortcomings of ‘Italia fara da se’
Aimed to move Austrians out of Lombardy & Venetia
As PM had considerable control over foreign policy
1854 – outbreak of Crimean War: Britain & France vs Russia
15,000 troops sent to support France & GB

10. Cavour and the Crimean War
Some doubt over motivation but perhaps aimed to gain support from GB & France
Troops played only minor role but did win respect & gratitude from allies
Congress of Paris (1856) dealt with peace negotiations
Cavour not directly involved in talks

11. Cavour wins support Foreign support & diplomacy seen as main successes
Also important was link with National Society
Number of its leaders beginning to accept Piedmont as focus for unification
Cavour now looked to France for help against Austria

12. Napoleon III and Italian Unity
Former member of the Carbonari
His troops had crushed Roman Republic in 1849
Had his own reasons for aiding Piedmont
Probably favoured federation headed by Pope

13. The Orsini Bomb Plot!
In January 1848 Felice Orsini attempted to assassinate Napoleon III
Hoped that this would aid Italian unity
Did spur Napoleon III into action
Agreement made via Compact of Plombieres

14. War with Austria 1859 War provoked with Austria
French (with limited help from Piedmont) won 2 closely fought victories
Austria on brink of surrender
Napoleon III now pulled put of the war – Truce of Villafranca!
Cavour was furious – resigned as PM

15. Cavour and Garibaldi Garibaldi raised volunteers to fight for Savoy
Instead went to Sicily
Cavour not happy – feared consequences of Garibaldi’s actions
Was torn between trying to stop Garibaldi and offering support
Attempts to stop him failed!

16. Cavour and the Papal States
Biggest problem for Cavour was fear of French or Austrian intervention
To forestall Garibaldi marching on Rome Cavour sent troops into the Papal States
Piedmontese troops successful but did not receive the same level of support as Garibaldi’s men
By end of 1861 Victor Emmanuel acclaimed first King of Italy
Cavour died end of 1861

17. Giuseppe Garibaldi Great romantic figure of the Risorgimento
Charismatic guerrilla leader
Had distinguished himself in the defence of Rome
Was a follower of Mazzini

18. Garibaldi & the campaign of 1861
Hi-jacked the popular revolt in Sicily
Used great cunning to gain control of the island
His ‘1000 Red Shirts’ gained more and more support
Had more problems on the mainland but was successful in defeating King of Naples
Handed his conquests over to VE II

19. Italy
Kingdom of Italy declared – Victor Emmanuel II ‘by the grace of God and the rule of the people’
First parliament met in Turin, March 1861
1866 VE II anxious to prove Italian military prowess
2 shattering defeats followed – no support from Venetians!

20. Italy (2)
Venetia occupied after Austrian defeat – voted to join with Italy
Garibaldi made 2 failed attempts to seize Rome (1862, 1867) – little support from the Romans
1870 Franco-Prussian War saw withdrawal of French garrison
Pius XI soon withdrew to the Vatican

21. How united was Italy by 1870? Bad relations with the Papacy
Lack of common language
Spread of Piedmontese constitution caused conflict
Franchise restricted – ½ million/22 million
Liberal aims had little in common with peasantry
Severe economic problems
‘Brigands’ War’ in the South for many years
Political system did not develop well