Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of…
Full specification wording
Paper 2, Option 2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of Italy, 1856–61: The north and south unite, 1860–61: Garibaldi’s decision to take Rome and the response of Piedmont; the significance of the meeting at Teano; plebiscites in the south and papal territories. The Kingdom of Italy established.
After Garibaldi’s success in Naples, he wanted to march on Rome to complete unification.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After Garibaldi’s success in Naples, he wanted to march on Rome to complete unification. However, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II opposed this because Rome was protected by French troops and taking it would provoke France. Piedmont sent forces south, and Garibaldi met Victor Emmanuel II at Teano in October 1860, where he handed over his conquests. This meeting symbolised the subordination of revolutionary action to monarchical authority. Plebiscites in the south and papal territories in 1860 confirmed annexation to Piedmont. In March 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II as king. Rome and Venetia remained outside.
What earns the marks
- Explains Garibaldi’s decision to take Rome: his desire to complete unification and remove papal temporal power.
- Analyses Piedmont’s response: opposition due to French protection of Rome and diplomatic risks.
- Describes the meeting at Teano: Garibaldi’s handover of power to Victor Emmanuel II and its symbolic significance.
- Explains the plebiscites: votes in the south and papal territories that approved annexation to Piedmont.
- Assesses the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy: the proclamation in March 1861 and its limitations (Rome and Venetia excluded).
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Garibaldi took Rome in 1860.
Put it right: He did not; Rome was protected by French troops and was not annexed until 1870.
Viewing the meeting at Teano as a simple celebration.
Put it right: It was a political act where Garibaldi relinquished command to Victor Emmanuel II.
Assuming the plebiscites were entirely free and fair.
Put it right: They were manipulated by the Piedmontese to ensure favourable outcomes.
Exam tips
- Use the meeting at Teano to illustrate the tension between revolutionary and monarchical unification.
- Explain how the plebiscites were used to legitimise annexation and their limitations.
- Discuss the significance of the Kingdom of Italy’s establishment in 1861, noting what was still missing.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 2, Option 2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of Italy, 1856–61: The north and south unite, 1860–61: Garibaldi’s decision to take Rome and the response of Piedmont; the significance of the meeting at Teano; plebiscites in the south and papal territories. The Kingdom of Italy established. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
At which meeting in October 1860 did Garibaldi hand over his conquests in the south to Victor Emmanuel II?
Listen
After Garibaldi’s success in Naples, he wanted to march on Rome to complete unification. However, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II opposed this because Rome was protected by French troops and taking it would provoke France. Piedmont sent forces south, and Garibaldi met Victor Emmanuel II at Teano in October 1860, where he handed over his conquests. This meeting symbolised the subordination of revolutionary action to monarchical authority. Plebiscites in the south and papal territories in 1860 confirmed annexation to Piedmont. In March 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II as king. Rome and Venetia remained outside. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Garibaldi’s decision to take Rome: his desire to complete unification and remove papal temporal power. Analyses Piedmont’s response: opposition due to French protection of Rome and diplomatic risks. Describes the meeting at Teano: Garibaldi’s handover of power to Victor Emmanuel II and its symbolic significance. Explains the plebiscites: votes in the south and papal territories that approved annexation to Piedmont. A common slip: stating that Garibaldi took Rome in 1860. Instead, he did not; Rome was protected by French troops and was not annexed until 1870. Exam tip: Use the meeting at Teano to illustrate the tension between revolutionary and monarchical unification.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Revolution versus monarchy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Diplomacy and foreign intervention
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Territorial unification
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
National identity and legitimacy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Revolution versus monarchy
- The tension between revolutionary action and monarchical authority, symbolised by the meeting at Teano where Garibaldi handed over his conquests to Victor Emmanuel II.
- Diplomacy and foreign intervention
- Piedmont opposed Garibaldi's march on Rome because Rome was protected by French troops and taking it would provoke France.
- Territorial unification
- Garibaldi wanted to march on Rome to complete unification, but Rome and Venetia remained outside the Kingdom of Italy proclaimed in March 1861.
- National identity and legitimacy
- Plebiscites in the south and papal territories in 1860 confirmed annexation to Piedmont, though they were manipulated by the Piedmontese to ensure favourable outcomes.
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