The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 4 Consolidating the Kingdom of Italy,…

The idea

Solving the ‘Venetian question’ dominated Italian foreign policy from 1861 to 1866. The failure of Garibaldi between 1862 and 1864 highlighted the limits of volunteer action; his 1862 Sarnico plot to invade Venetia was halted by the government, and his 1864 visit to England failed to secure armed support. Meanwhile, the aims of Victor Emmanuel II focused on completing unification through statecraft. This led to diplomacy with Prussia, culminating in an alliance. In the resulting war with Austria in 1866, Italy performed poorly militarily but benefited from Prussia's decisive victory. The conflict concluded with the union with Venetia, transferred via France. This resolved the Venetian question but underscored Italy's reliance on great-power diplomacy.

What earns the marks

• Explains the failure of Garibaldi (1862–64) to solve the Venetian question, referencing the aborted 1862 Sarnico expedition and his 1864 diplomatic efforts in England.
• Analyses the aims of Victor Emmanuel II, focusing on his desire to acquire Venetia and complete unification through strategic alliances.
• Describes the diplomacy with Prussia that resulted in the 1866 military alliance against Austria.
• Explains the course of the war with Austria in 1866 and how Prussia's victory facilitated the union with Venetia.
• Assesses the significance of the union with Venetia, noting that while it advanced unification, it exposed Italy's military weakness and reliance on foreign powers.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing Garibaldi's actions regarding Venetia with his attempts on Rome.

  Put it right: The 1862 Sarnico plot and 1864 English visit were linked to the Venetian question, whereas Aspromonte (1862) and Mentana (1867) targeted Rome.

• Assuming Italy gained Venetia solely through its own military strength.

  Put it right: Emphasise the role of diplomacy with Prussia and Austria's defeat by Prussian forces.

• Claiming Garibaldi led a failed military expedition to Venetia in 1864.

  Put it right: His 1864 efforts were diplomatic (visiting England to raise support), not a military invasion.

Exam tips

• Clearly distinguish between Garibaldi's efforts to solve the Venetian question (1862 Sarnico, 1864 England visit) and his separate campaigns aimed at Rome.
• Link the aims of Victor Emmanuel II to the successful diplomacy with Prussia, showing how state-led action succeeded where Garibaldi's volunteer initiatives failed.