describe the efforts between the 1850's and 1870 which resulted in the unification of italy

The period between the 1850s and 1870 is characterized by a significant movement towards the unification of Italy. This process, known as the Risorgimento, aimed to bring together the various states and territories of the Italian peninsula into a single, united nation. The efforts during this time involved several key figures and events that ultimately led to the unification of Italy.

1. Giuseppe Mazzini: Mazzini was an influential Italian nationalist and one of the early proponents of Italian unification. He founded the secret society known as Young Italy in 1831, which aimed at promoting nationalistic sentiments among the Italians. Mazzini's ideas inspired a generation of Italian patriots and were crucial in laying the groundwork for the later unification movement.

2. Count Camillo di Cavour: Cavour was the Prime Minister of the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, one of the largest and more economically advanced Italian states. He played a pivotal role in the unification process through his skillful diplomacy and political maneuvering. Cavour sought alliances with other European powers and pursued policies that modernized Piedmont-Sardinia's economy, military, and infrastructure, making it a leading force in the Italian unification movement.

3. Wars of Independence: Various wars fought between 1848 and 1870 were instrumental in achieving Italian unification. The First War of Independence (1848-1849) saw unsuccessful attempts to liberate northern Italy from foreign rule. However, the Second War of Independence (1859) was more successful, with Piedmont-Sardinia, led by Cavour, teaming up with France and defeating the Austrian Empire. This military victory helped to expand Piedmont-Sardinia's territory and further inspired the cause of Italian unification.

4. Giuseppe Garibaldi: A famous general and key figure in the unification process, Garibaldi was a staunch supporter of Italian unity. He led a volunteer army known as the "Redshirts" and embarked on a series of successful military campaigns across southern Italy and Sicily. Garibaldi's expeditions helped to overthrow various ruling powers and facilitated the unification of those regions with Piedmont-Sardinia.

5. Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy: Eventually, the unification movement culminated in the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Under the leadership of King Victor Emmanuel II, Italy initially consisted of Piedmont-Sardinia, Lombardy, Venetia, Tuscany, Parma, Modena, and Romagna. However, the unification was not complete as several regions, including Rome and Venice, remained under foreign control or as separate states until later.

In conclusion, the efforts between the 1850s and 1870 that resulted in the unification of Italy were driven by nationalist thinkers like Mazzini, political leaders like Cavour, military campaigns led by Garibaldi, and the successful wars of independence against foreign powers. These efforts ultimately led to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, although full unification was only achieved later with the addition of remaining territories.