Second Italian War of Independence

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began after a series of diplomatic tensions between Piedmont and Austria, culminating in France's alliance with Piedmont against Austria.
2. Key battles during the war included the battles of Magenta and Solferino, where Piedmontese and French forces achieved significant victories against Austria.
3. The war concluded with the Treaty of Zurich in 1859, which ceded Lombardy to Piedmont but left Venetia under Austrian control.
4. Garibaldi's expedition to Sicily in 1860 helped to further unify southern Italy under the control of Piedmont, leading to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
5. This war set the stage for further conflicts that would eventually lead to complete Italian unification, including the capture of Rome in 1870.

Review Questions

• How did Cavour's diplomatic strategies influence the outcomes of the Second Italian War of Independence?
  • Cavour employed a mix of diplomacy and military alliances to strengthen Piedmont's position before and during the war. By securing France as an ally, he managed to create a significant power balance against Austria, enabling decisive victories at battles like Magenta and Solferino. His efforts not only expanded Piedmont's territory but also laid essential groundwork for future unification efforts across Italy.
• Discuss how Garibaldi's military campaigns complemented Cavour's political maneuvers during the Second Italian War of Independence.
  • Garibaldi's military campaigns were crucial in expanding support for Italian unification beyond northern territories. While Cavour focused on diplomacy and alliances with major powers like France, Garibaldi's bold actions in southern Italy rallied popular support and integrated these regions into the unification movement. His successful march through Sicily demonstrated grassroots support for unification, which complemented Cavour's top-down approach.
• Evaluate the impact of the Second Italian War of Independence on the broader narrative of nationalism in 19th-century Europe.
  • The Second Italian War of Independence significantly shaped nationalist movements across Europe by exemplifying how military conflict and diplomatic negotiations could lead to national consolidation. The successful unification of Italy inspired other nationalist movements seeking independence from empires or fragmented states, illustrating a shift toward modern nation-states. Additionally, it raised questions about self-determination and sovereignty that echoed throughout Europe, contributing to an age marked by nationalistic fervor and revolutionary activity.

Related terms

Risorgimento: The period of Italian unification during the 19th century that sought to consolidate various states and territories on the Italian peninsula into a single nation.

Cavour: Count Camillo di Cavour was the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia who was instrumental in orchestrating diplomatic and military strategies during the Second Italian War of Independence.

Garibaldi: Giuseppe Garibaldi was a key military leader and nationalist figure whose campaigns in southern Italy greatly contributed to the unification efforts during this period.