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Liberal Revolutions in Italy
Nationalist and liberal movements arose in different Italian states, seeking reforms and unification, although they were repressed. -
Cavour becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia.
Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, initiates economic and diplomatic reforms to strengthen Piedmont as the leader of Italian unification. -
Treaty of Plombières
Cavour and Napoleon III agree on a secret alliance: France would help Piedmont expel Austria from northern Italy in exchange for Savoy and Nice. -
War of Independence against Austria
Piedmont and France defeat Austria in the battles of Magenta and Solferino. As a result, Lombardy is annexed to Piedmont. -
Expedition of the Thousand (Red Shirts)
Giuseppe Garibaldi leads a military campaign in southern Italy, overthrowing the Bourbons and surrendering the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to Piedmont. -
Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
Victor Emmanuel II is declared King of Italy after the annexation of most of the Italian states. Rome and Veneto are not yet part of the kingdom. -
Garibaldi's unsuccessful attempt to take Rome
Garibaldi attempts to conquer Rome without official support, but is stopped by the Italian army to avoid a conflict with France. -
Italy obtains the Veneto after the Austro-Prussian war.
Italy allies with Prussia against Austria and, after the Prussian victory at Sadowa, the Veneto is ceded to Italy. -
Italy occupies Rome
After the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian war, Italian troops enter Rome, finalizing the territorial unification of Italy. -
Lateran Accords
The Pope and the Italian government sign an agreement recognizing the independence of Vatican City, resolving the conflict between the Church and the Italian State.