Capture of Rome

Definition

The Capture of Rome refers to the event on September 20, 1870, when Italian troops breached the walls of Rome, leading to the city's annexation into the Kingdom of Italy. This moment marked the culmination of the Italian unification process, also known as the Risorgimento, and solidified Rome as the capital of the newly unified nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Capture of Rome effectively completed the unification of Italy, which had been ongoing since the 1840s.
2. Prior to its capture, Rome was the center of the Papal States, which were opposed to unification under a secular government.
3. Italian forces entered Rome after a series of diplomatic failures and military maneuvers against French protection, which had previously shielded the pope.
4. The event led to the establishment of Rome as the capital of Italy, replacing Florence.
5. The Pope declared himself a prisoner in the Vatican following the capture and refused to recognize the Italian state for decades.

Review Questions

• How did the Capture of Rome contribute to the overall process of Italian unification?
  • The Capture of Rome was a pivotal event in Italian unification as it marked the final step in consolidating various states into a single nation. By capturing Rome, Italian nationalists were able to eliminate papal sovereignty over the city and establish it as the capital of Italy. This action symbolized not just territorial unity but also a significant shift from religious to secular governance, further reinforcing national identity.
• Discuss the role that external factors played in the Capture of Rome and how they influenced Italian unification efforts.
  • External factors significantly influenced the Capture of Rome, particularly the absence of French military support for Pope Pius IX during his conflict with Italian nationalists. The French troops were withdrawn in 1870 due to France's involvement in the Franco-Prussian War, creating an opportunity for Italian forces to advance. This shift not only facilitated the capture but also highlighted how international politics could sway local struggles for unity and independence.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Capture of Rome on both Italian society and its relationship with the Catholic Church.
  • The Capture of Rome had lasting implications for Italian society, leading to a strained relationship with the Catholic Church that persisted well into the 20th century. By establishing Rome as Italy's capital, secular authority superseded papal power, prompting Pope Pius IX to declare himself a 'prisoner' within Vatican City. This tension influenced political discourse in Italy and affected social cohesion between Catholic and secular factions, ultimately shaping modern Italian identity and governance.

Related terms

Risorgimento: The 19th-century movement for Italian unification that sought to consolidate various states and territories into a single nation-state.

Papal States: A series of territories in central Italy that were under the direct sovereign rule of the pope until their annexation by Italy in 1870.

Giuseppe Garibaldi: An important military and political leader in the Italian unification movement, known for his role in various campaigns to unify Italy and for his leadership in the capture of Sicily.