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Published Aug 24, 2024

The Unification of Italy

Gary Arndt delves into the turbulent history of Italy's unification, examining the fragmented post-Roman landscape, the rise of nationalism, and the critical efforts of leaders like Victor Emmanuel II, Count Camillo de Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi in overcoming the challenges to form a united Italy.
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  • Papal Conflict

    The unification of Italy was marked by significant conflict with the Papal States. explains that the Kingdom of Italy faced resistance from the French, who defended Rome on behalf of the Pope. Despite several uprisings within Rome, it wasn't until the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 that the French withdrew their forces, leaving Rome vulnerable. King Victor Emmanuel seized this opportunity to annex Rome to the Kingdom of Italy 1.

    The king tried to offer the pope several ways out to save face, but Pope Pius IX refused everything.

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    This marked a significant step towards unification, although the Pope considered himself a prisoner within the Vatican for decades 1.

       

    Political Instability

    Post-unification Italy experienced considerable political instability. notes that despite unification, Italy faced frequent changes in government and political factions. The country saw the execution of Mussolini and has had 70 different governments since World War II. This instability, however, did not deter the success of the Risorgimento, which had been an idea over 1500 years in the making 1.

    Since the end of World War Two, there have been some minor separatist movements in particular in South Tyrol and in Lombardy, but they've had very little support.

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    The resilience of the Italian unification movement is evident despite these challenges 1.

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