Italian unification

  • Congress of Vienna

    Congress of Vienna
    European powers redraw borders after Napoleon’s defeat, restoring Austrian control over Northern Italy, and dividing the Italian peninsula among various states.
  • Revolutions in Italy

    Revolutions in Italy
    Uprisings break out across Italy demanding constitutional reforms and independence, notably in Sicily, Milan, and Venice.
  • First Italian War of Independence

    First Italian War of Independence
    The Kingdom of Sardinia (led by Charles Albert) fights Austria but is defeated.
  • Plombières Agreement

    Plombières Agreement
    Secret meeting between Cavour (Prime Minister of Sardinia) and Napoleon III (Emperor of France), securing French support against Austria.
  • Second Italian War of Independence

    Second Italian War of Independence
    Sardinia and France fight Austria, leading to the annexation of Lombardy into Sardinia.
  • Expedition of the Thousand

    Expedition of the Thousand
    Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Redshirts invade Sicily and Naples, leading to the fall of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
  • Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy

    Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
    Victor Emmanuel II is declared King of Italy, though Rome and Venetia remain outside Italian control.
  • Third Italian War of Independence

    Third Italian War of Independence
    Italy allies with Prussia against Austria and gains Venetia after Austria’s defeat.
  • Capture of Rome

    Capture of Rome
    Italian forces seize Rome, ending Papal States' control, and making Rome the capital of unified Italy.
  • Law of Guarantees

    Law of Guarantees
    Defines the Pope’s status after losing territorial power, he rejects it, leading to the Roman Question.
  • Treaty of Saint-Germain

    Treaty of Saint-Germain
    After World War I, Italy gains South Tyrol Istria from Austria, completing territorial unification.