THE ITALIAN STATES

A Struggle for Unity and Independence

Like Germany, Italy in 1848 was divided into many states, some ruled by local kings, others by Austria. Many Italians wanted to unite the country and free it from foreign control. This movement for unity was known as the Risorgimento, or “resurgence.”

Rebellions began in cities like Milan and Venice, where people fought Austrian soldiers. In the Papal States, citizens demanded a constitution and reform. At first, the revolutions seemed successful, but by 1849 Austrian armies had crushed most of them.

Although the revolts failed, they inspired future leaders like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Cavour, who would later lead the successful fight for Italian unification in the 1850s and 1860s.