The unification of Italy is inextricably bound up with the "Risorgimento" - an Italian word which suggests the idea of awakening and the recovery of strength - and was perhaps the most important event in modern Italian history. The word "Risorgimento" sums up three distinct aims: the expulsion of foreign rulers from Italy; the overthrow of harsh and tyrannical governments; and the unification of the fragmented country into a free independent state.
The unification of Italy can be said to have started in March 1861. This was the month in which Count Cavour declared that the Kingdom of Italy was born. From the beginning of time until 1861 there had only been the history of individual regions, but from that month onward there existed a united kingdom.
In order to understand why unification became necessary one must look to the situation that Italy found itself in prior to 1861. At this time, the term "Italy", as the Austrian Chancellor Metternich said, "was no more than a geographical expression" in that its boundaries were clearly defined, with three sides bounded by the sea and the fourth following the long chain of the Alps. However, until 1861 Italy had never been a political entity, and even after that date it is debatable whether Italy was really unified. Italy, before 1861, was a defenseless "free for all" for the Spanish, French and Austrians. In other words, virtually none of Italy was owned by Italians. Spain withdrew her interests in the 18th century but France and Austria remained rivals for the domination of Italy. Both countries were determined to keep Italy divided and weak to suit their policies.
In this essay I will examine the social conditions in the various regions into which Italy was divided before unification. When one examines the social conditions prevalent under foreign domination it becomes clear why unification was inevitable. I will also assess the degree to which unification was successful after 1861.
