The Italian States Unite,

Factors That Led to Italian Unification  Geography Italy is isolatedItaly is isolated Geographic isolation allows Italy to develop its own ways, customs.Geographic isolation allows Italy to develop its own ways, customs.  History Italians are very proud of their heritage, including the Italian Renaissance.Italians are very proud of their heritage, including the Italian Renaissance. Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states led to a desire not to be conquered again  Italian unity.Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states led to a desire not to be conquered again  Italian unity.  Efforts of Three Men: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Cavour

Giuseppe Mazzini, “Heart of Italian Unification”  He was a member of the Carbonari who were a secret group which used violence to obtain what it wanted.  He formed Young Italy, made up of young people whose job it was to arouse enthusiasm for a united nation.  Tried revolution but it failed.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, “The Sword of Italian Unification”  Italian nationalist who led an army called the “Red Shirts”  Garibaldi first invaded Sicily, then urged them to join Piedmont- Sardinia under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel.  Garibaldi handed over all conquered lands to Victor Emmanuel.

Count Cavour, “The Mind of Italian Unification”  Count Camillo di Cavour was led a revolt against Austria – this encouraged other Italian states to revolt.  United with Garibaldi to form Italy’s first united government since the Roman Empire  Formed a constitutional monarchy  Gained Venice from Austria in 1866 and Rome from France in 1871

Victor Emmanuel II

Problems Faced by a United Italy  Right to vote is limited to upper and middle class property holders.  Many Catholics refuse to participate in new nation (as did the Pope).  Italy lacked industrial development, agriculture, and natural resources.  Northern Italy was wealthy, Southern Italy was poor  Prices were high, people could not afford manufactured goods.