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4Q. Victor
Immanuel? |
Victor Immanuel II was the ruler
of Sardinia. He won the heart of his subjects by implementing liberal
constitution. Victor Immanuel II acted with utmost balance co-operating with
Mazini, Cavour and Garibaldi to achieve unification of Italy. With his timely
decisions he probived best administration to his peple.
Victor Immanuel II was son of
Charles Albert, King of Italy. His father also a great liberalist and
nationalist. He succeeded his father after his death. During his life time
Charles Albert aspired for the unification of Italy but he passed away without
seeing united Italy.
Far before 1848 revolution in
France, Kings of Italian kingdoms like Naples, Tuscony, Piedmont and Rome,
implemented people’s constitution. Pope Pious IX, ruler of Rome, by 1846 C.E. had
liberal political thoughts and he provided good administration to the people.
After 1848 Revolution in France, the presteige of Metternich started waning.
People urged the kings of various ceded kingdoms of Italy to be united to come
out of the influence of Austria.
In the
battle against Austria, only Charles Albert was in the battle field till the
end. Remaining kings of Italy withdrew in the middle. Charles Albert was
succeeded by his son Victor Immanuel II.
In 1831
C.E. Mazini founded ‘Young Italy’, a nationalist association.
Count
Cavour, another hardcore nationalist was appointed as the prime minister of
Sardinia – Piedmont. Cavour developed diplomatic strategies to unite Italy.
Victor Immanuel II accorded his complete support to Cavour. Mazini revolted
against king in Rome and forced him to flee from Rome. The republican
government formed by Mazini and his followers in Rome was suspended by Louise
Napoleon in no time. As he knew everything about Cavour’s nature, aspirations
and diplomatic skill, he never gave chance of complete alientaoin of strain of
relations with him for mere ideological differences. In 1859 C.E., Cavour did
not like Napoleon III concluding Treaty of Villafranca with Austria, and
suggested Victor Immanuel II to contine battle with Austria to teach a lesson to
Napoleon III. Strategically Victor Immanuel II kept silent as he felt that
enemity with Napoleon will cost heavy. Napoleon III did not have ill intention
to cause loss to Italy. Napoleon concluded Treaty of Villafranca with Austria
only to have friendly relations with both Italy and Austria. Victor Immanuel II
understood this and was waiting for right time. In 1859 C.E., when Cavour
resigned for his Prime Minister post, without going for ego, Victor Immanuel
requested him to continue as Prime Minister. After six months, Cavour reassumed
the prime minister post.
North and Central Italy kingdoms conceded to
join in Italy. Now Napoleon III stood as an obstacle on the way to unification
of Italy. As Cavour had already expected this he was ready with second plan. He
offered Savoy and Nice kingdoms to Napoleon II, in return for his help. Though
Savoy was the Victor Immanuel II’s ancestors’ place, he accepted the decision
of Cavour and sacrificed those places for the sake of unification of Italy.
Victor Immanuel II became king of this new
federation. On 2nd April 1860
C.E., unified Italan Parliament meeting was conducted.
Capture of Venetia 1866 C.E.
By the
time of Cavour’s death except Venetia and Rome remaining all parts were united
in Italy. Geographically Venetia was a part of Austria. Rome was the capital of
Papal States. Army of France had been
protecting Rome since 1849 C.E. Battle took place between Prussia and Austria
in 1866 C.E. On the other hand Bismark was planning for an invasion on Austria
to unite Germany. To liberate Venetia from the clutches of Austria, Itlay also
participated in the battle, supporting Germany. At Sedova crushing defeat was
inflicted on Austria. Austria had no option but handing over Venetia to Itlay.
Capture of Rome - 1870 C.E.:
To
avenge France proclaimed war on Germany and it withdrew army from Rome to
invade on Germany. Victor Immanuel rightly used the situation and invaded on
Rome and with ease he occupied it. France did not take the matter seriously as
battle with Germany was more important to it. Unification of Italy was
completed with the capture of Rome.
Victor
Immanuel II did many sacrifices to realize unification of Italy. To achieve it
he waited patiently, respected the decision of great patriots like Cavour,
Garibaldi and Mazzini, and took many diplomatic steps.
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