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Congress of Vienna
After Napoleon’s fall, Italy was divided into many small states controlled by foreign powers, especially Austria. -
Foundation of Young Italy
Giuseppe Mazzini created a group called “Young Italy” to promote the unification of the country through revolutions. -
First Italian War of Independence
The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia tried to drive the Austrians out of northern Italy but was defeated. -
Victor Emmanuel II Becomes King
After the defeat, Victor Emmanuel II took the throne of Piedmont-Sardinia and supported unification efforts. -
Cavour Becomes Prime Minister
Cavour modernized Piedmont-Sardinia and sought allies to help with the unification. -
Alliance with France and Second Italian War of Independence
Cavour secured an alliance with France, and together they defeated Austria, adding Lombardy to the kingdom. -
The Expedition of the Thousand
Giuseppe Garibaldi and his volunteers, known as the “Red Shirts,” conquered southern Italy and handed it over to Victor Emmanuel II. -
The Kingdom of Italy is Born
The Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed, with Victor Emmanuel II as king, although Rome and Venice were not yet part of the country. -
Annexation of Venice
Italy allied with Prussia in a war against Austria, and after winning, gained Venice. -
Capture of Rome
Italy took advantage of France being busy with another war, seized Rome, and made it its capital.