The Unification of Italy

Like Germany, Italy was once divided into many small states and kingdoms. Different parts were ruled by foreign powers like Austria and France. In the 1800s, brave leaders worked to bring all Italians together into one country. This movement was called the Risorgimento, which means 'rising again.' By 1871, Italy was united as one nation for the first time since the days of the Roman Empire.

Heroes of Unification

Three men are remembered as the heroes of Italian unification. Giuseppe Mazzini was a writer who dreamed of a united, free Italy. Count Camillo di Cavour was a clever politician who made alliances with powerful countries. Giuseppe Garibaldi was a brave soldier who led an army of volunteers called the Redshirts. Together, their efforts helped free Italy from foreign rule and bring the states together.

One Italy at Last

The Kingdom of Sardinia, led by Cavour, made an alliance with France to drive Austria out of northern Italy. Meanwhile, Garibaldi and his Redshirts conquered the southern part of Italy. In 1861, most of the peninsula was united under King Victor Emmanuel II. Rome became the capital in 1871. Italy was finally one country, though it took many years for all Italians to feel truly united.

Fun Facts

• Garibaldi's volunteer army was called the Redshirts because of the red shirts they wore.
• Before unification, people in different parts of Italy spoke such different dialects that they could barely understand each other.
• The Italian flag of green, white, and red was created during the unification movement.

Did You Know?

Giuseppe Garibaldi was so famous that when the American Civil War started, President Lincoln offered him a command in the Union Army!