7.2 Cavour, Garibaldi, and the Role of Piedmont
3 min read•july 30, 2024
Cavour and Garibaldi were key players in . Cavour used diplomacy and alliances to boost Piedmont's status, while Garibaldi led military campaigns. Their efforts, though different, worked together to unite Italy.
Piedmont's role was crucial, with its constitutional reforms and military strength. International events like the and alliances with France and Prussia also shaped the unification process. These factors combined to create a unified Italy by 1871.
Cavour's Strategies for Unification
Diplomatic Maneuvering and Alliances
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- Emphasized "Italia fara da se" (Italy will make itself) strategy focused on Piedmontese leadership in unification through diplomatic maneuvering and strategic alliances
- Secured French support against Austria through of 1858 with Napoleon III
- Participated in Crimean War (1853-1856) alongside Britain and France elevated Piedmont's international status
- Presented Italian question at Congress of Paris in 1856 following Crimean War participation
- Exploited concept of "" (resurgence) framed unification as revival of Italy's historical greatness appealed to nationalist sentiments
Domestic Political and Economic Policies
- Implemented "connubio" (marriage) policy united moderate liberals and conservative reformers in Piedmont created stable political base
- Modernized Piedmont through economic policies including railway expansion and free trade agreements
- Created Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce in 1850 spearheaded economic reforms and modernization efforts
- Used secret societies and nationalist movements (National Society) spread pro-unification sentiment while maintaining plausible deniability
Garibaldi's Military Campaigns
The Expedition of the Thousand and Southern Campaigns
- Led (1860) conquered Sicily and Naples from Bourbon monarchy
- Formed and led Redshirts volunteer force became synonymous with Italian revolutionary and military prowess
- Employed guerrilla tactics and popular support contrasted with conventional military strategies of the time
- Handed over southern conquests to King Victor Emmanuel II prioritized national unity over personal ambition or republican ideals
Later Campaigns and Ideological Tensions
- Attempted to capture Rome in 1862 and 1867 demonstrated persistence and complexities of Roman Question
- Participated in (1870-1871) impacted Italian public opinion and final stages of unification
- Balanced republican ideals with pragmatic support for Piedmontese monarchy as means to achieve unification
- Gained mythic status through unconventional tactics and popular appeal
Piedmont's Role in Unification
Constitutional and Military Reforms
- Established of 1848 Piedmont's constitution made it beacon of liberal governance in Italy
- Attracted support from reformers across peninsula through constitutional monarchy
- Modernized military under La Marmora became most formidable Italian state and credible challenger to Austrian dominance
- Balanced royal authority with parliamentary governance under Victor Emmanuel II provided stability during unification process
Territorial Expansion and Diplomacy
- Annexed Lombardy in 1859 demonstrated Piedmont's growing power
- Conducted plebiscites in central Italy showcased appeal as unifying force
- Expanded diplomatic influence through strategic marriages and alliances (France and Britain)
- Played crucial role in (1859) led to territorial expansion and increased prestige within Italy
International Influences on Unification
European Wars and Alliances
- Elevated Piedmont's international status through participation in Crimean War (1853-1856)
- Formed alliance between Piedmont and France culminated in Franco-Piedmontese victory over Austria in Second Italian War of Independence (1859)
- Acquired Venetia as result of (1866) and alliance with Prussia
- Enabled capture of following Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and withdrawal of French troops from Rome
Diplomatic Support and Global Context
- Received British diplomatic support and benefited from non-intervention policy facilitated unification without direct military involvement
- Utilized Congress of Paris (1856) as turning point internationalized Italian question and legitimized Piedmont's leadership role
- Influenced by Eastern Question and Ottoman decline affected European power dynamics indirectly impacted unification efforts
- Presented Italian question at international forums (Congress of Paris) increased awareness and support for unification cause
Key Terms to Review (24)
Austro-Prussian War: The Austro-Prussian War, fought in 1866, was a conflict between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire that led to the decisive defeat of Austria and significantly altered the balance of power in Central Europe. This war was crucial for the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership and set the stage for further conflicts in the region.
Battle of Calatafimi: The Battle of Calatafimi, fought on April 15, 1860, was a significant engagement during the Italian unification process, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign led by Giuseppe Garibaldi against the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This battle showcased Garibaldi's military prowess and the growing strength of nationalist sentiments in Southern Italy, setting the stage for further advances towards unification under the leadership of Piedmontese forces.
Battle of Solferino: The Battle of Solferino was a significant conflict fought on June 24, 1859, during the Second Italian War of Independence, where the Kingdom of Sardinia, led by Cavour, allied with France against Austria. This battle marked a turning point in the struggle for Italian unification, showcasing the military prowess of both sides and catalyzing international attention towards the Italian unification movement, which included key figures like Garibaldi and the role of Piedmont.
Count Camillo di Cavour: Count Camillo di Cavour was a leading figure in the Italian unification movement and served as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1852 until his death in 1861. He was instrumental in promoting policies that strengthened Piedmont, established diplomatic alliances, and laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of Italy.
Crimean War: The Crimean War was a military conflict fought from 1853 to 1856, primarily between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia. It arose from disputes over territories and the declining influence of the Ottoman Empire, known as the Eastern Question, and it had significant ramifications for European politics and nationalism, particularly in relation to Italian unification efforts led by figures such as Cavour and Garibaldi.
D’azeglio’s memoirs: D’Azeglio's memoirs are an important historical account reflecting the political and social dynamics of Italy during the unification period in the 19th century. Written by Massimo d'Azeglio, a prominent politician and painter, these memoirs offer insights into the complexities of Italian unification, highlighting key figures like Cavour and Garibaldi, and the role of Piedmont as a leading state in this transformative era.
Expedition of the Thousand: The Expedition of the Thousand was a significant military campaign led by Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860 aimed at unifying Italy. This venture involved a volunteer army of around 1,000 men, known as the 'Red Shirts,' who landed in Sicily to support the local revolutionary movement against Bourbon rule. The success of this campaign played a crucial role in the broader context of Italian unification and the eventual establishment of a unified Italian state.
Franco-Prussian War: The Franco-Prussian War was a conflict between France and Prussia from 1870 to 1871, which ultimately led to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. This war was characterized by military innovation and rapid mobilization, resulting in a decisive Prussian victory that reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
Giuseppe Garibaldi: Giuseppe Garibaldi was a prominent Italian military leader and nationalist who played a key role in the unification of Italy during the 19th century. Known as the 'Hero of Two Worlds,' he is celebrated for his leadership of volunteer forces and his campaigns that contributed significantly to the establishment of a unified Italian state.
Italian Parliament: The Italian Parliament is the bicameral legislative body of Italy, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. This institution played a crucial role in the unification of Italy during the 19th century, shaping the political landscape under influential leaders like Cavour and Garibaldi. Its establishment marked a significant shift towards a modern state, fostering political discourse and governance in post-unification Italy.
Italian Unification: Italian unification, or Risorgimento, was the political and social process that consolidated the various states of the Italian Peninsula into a single nation-state during the 19th century. This movement was fueled by a combination of nationalist sentiments and liberal ideals, leading to significant political changes and the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Kingdom of Italy: The Kingdom of Italy was a state that emerged in the 19th century following the unification of various Italian states and territories. This process of unification, known as the Risorgimento, was driven by key figures such as Count Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played crucial roles in consolidating Italy into a single nation-state, leading to its proclamation in 1861.
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a historical state in Southern Italy that existed from 1816 until 1860, encompassing the island of Sicily and the southern regions of the Italian mainland. It was the largest kingdom in Italy before unification and played a pivotal role in the movements for Italian unification, particularly through its interactions with leaders like Cavour and Garibaldi.
Liberalism: Liberalism is a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual freedoms, equality before the law, and the protection of civil liberties. It promotes democratic governance and often advocates for free-market economics and limited government intervention in personal affairs. As a movement, it emerged as a response to autocratic rule and social inequalities, influencing various revolutions and political changes throughout Europe in the 19th century.
Mazzini's Writings: Mazzini's writings refer to the influential political and ideological texts produced by Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian nationalist and advocate for the unification of Italy during the 19th century. His works emphasized the importance of a unified Italian state based on democratic principles and popular sovereignty, and he became a key figure in the movement for Italian nationalism alongside others like Cavour and Garibaldi. Mazzini's ideas inspired many of his contemporaries and laid the ideological groundwork for the eventual unification of Italy.
Nationalism: Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation or group of people. It often promotes the idea that individuals should be loyal to their nation and work towards its independence and self-determination, which can lead to significant social and political changes within a country or across regions.
Papal States: The Papal States were a series of territories in the Italian Peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope from the 8th century until 1870. These regions held significant political and spiritual influence in Italy, particularly during the 19th century when efforts for Italian unification intensified, often putting them at odds with the aspirations of leaders like Cavour and Garibaldi.
Piedmont-Sardinia: Piedmont-Sardinia was a significant Italian state in the 19th century, formed by the Kingdom of Sardinia and the region of Piedmont on the Italian mainland. This state played a crucial role in the unification of Italy, serving as a base for political and military efforts led by key figures like Cavour and Garibaldi, who aimed to unify the various Italian territories into a single nation.
Plombières Agreement: The Plombières Agreement was a secret pact made in 1858 between the Kingdom of Sardinia, represented by Count Camillo di Cavour, and the French Emperor Napoleon III. This agreement was crucial as it outlined a plan for mutual support against Austria, aiming to facilitate Italian unification under the leadership of Sardinia-Piedmont by promising French military assistance in exchange for territorial concessions.
Realpolitik: Realpolitik refers to a pragmatic and pragmatic approach to politics that prioritizes practical considerations and outcomes over ideological or moral principles. This approach often involves the use of power, diplomacy, and strategic alliances to achieve national interests, reflecting a belief that the ends justify the means.
Risorgimento: Risorgimento refers to the period of Italian unification that took place in the 19th century, marked by a series of political and social movements aimed at consolidating various states and territories into a single Italian nation. This movement was driven by a desire for national identity, liberation from foreign domination, and the establishment of a unified state, which played a crucial role in shaping modern Italy.
Second Italian War of Independence: The Second Italian War of Independence was a conflict fought from 1859 to 1861, primarily involving the Kingdom of Sardinia (Piedmont) and Austria, aimed at achieving the unification of Italy. This war was pivotal in the broader movement for Italian unification, significantly bolstered by the leadership of key figures such as Cavour and Garibaldi, who played crucial roles in mobilizing support and military strategies for the Piedmontese cause.
Statuto Albertino: The Statuto Albertino was a fundamental constitutional document established in 1848 that served as the constitution of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later became the basis for the constitution of unified Italy. It was enacted by King Charles Albert of Sardinia amidst the wave of revolutions in Europe, reflecting the liberal aspirations of the time while also maintaining significant royal authority.
Treaty of Turin: The Treaty of Turin, signed in 1860, was an agreement between the Kingdom of Sardinia and the French Empire that confirmed the annexation of the regions of Savoy and Nice to Sardinia. This treaty played a significant role in the early phases of Italian unification, highlighting the strategic alliances and territorial negotiations that were crucial for consolidating power in the region.