Italy Timeline By jmaggio 476 Roman Empire Falls Exact date is unknown Apr 19, 1350 The Renaissance begins in Italy's city-states Exact date is unknown Apr 19, 1870 Italy becomes a united kingdom Exact date is unknown Apr 19, 1922 Fascist leader Benito Mussolini comes to power Sep 1, 1939 Italy sides with Germany in World War 2 Sep 2, 1943 Italy surrenders to the Allies to fight against Germany Jun 2, 1946 The Italian Republic is founded Nov 1, 1993 Italy founds and becomes part of the European Union