The Risorgimento, Italy, 1815-1871

This book traces the emergence of Italy from the Congress of Vienna in 1815 through the Risorgimento to unification by 1871.



Initially, in the birth of modern Italy, only a tiny elite was interested in change as secret societies and activists tried to overthrow rulers who were supported by the Austrian Chancellor, Metternich. In the 1850s, under the leadership of Piedmont and Cavour French help was secured for a war against Austria to create a north Italian kingdom. The process was largely completed by Garibaldi in 1860. This new book brings together the latest research for students of the period in a readable and accessible manner and provides analyses of the major issues.