Victor Emmanuel II was born on March 14, 1820, in Turin, into the House of Savoy, one of the oldest ruling dynasties in Europe. His father was Charles Albert, the King of Sardinia.
Raised in a military environment, Victor Emmanuel received a strict education focused on politics, leadership and martial discipline. He was trained from an early age to rule.
The House of Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia
The House of Savoy ruled over the Kingdom of Sardinia, which included the island itself and territories in mainland northern Italy. It played a central role in Italian politics.
As revolutionary movements began to stir across the Italian peninsula, Sardinia became a focal point for nationalists who sought a unified and independent Italy.
Becoming king during the revolutions of 1848
In 1849, Charles Albert abdicated following military defeat by Austrian forces in the First Italian War of Independence. Victor Emmanuel succeeded him as king of Sardinia.
He inherited a weakened state but chose to retain the liberal constitution his father had granted. This decision gained him support among reformers and nationalists.
Alliance with Count Camillo di Cavour
A key figure in Victor Emmanuel’s reign was Count Camillo di Cavour, whom he appointed prime minister. Cavour’s diplomatic skill complemented the king’s military leadership.
Under their combined direction, Sardinia modernized, expanded its influence and positioned itself as the leader of the movement to unify Italy under one crown.
The Crimean War and international recognition
In 1855, Sardinia joined the Crimean War on the side of Britain and France. Though its military role was limited, the participation had major diplomatic benefits.
It brought Sardinia into the European spotlight, allowing Cavour and Victor Emmanuel to advocate for Italian unification at the Congress of Paris in 1856.
War with Austria and northern unification
In 1859, Sardinia allied with Napoleon III of France to fight Austria in the Second Italian War of Independence. The resulting victories brought Lombardy under Sardinian control.
The war triggered nationalist uprisings across northern and central Italy. Several states voted to join Sardinia, expanding Victor Emmanuel’s rule and advancing unification.
Garibaldi and the conquest of the south
In 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi led the Expedition of the Thousand, conquering Sicily and Naples. Though a republican, Garibaldi offered the territories to Victor Emmanuel.
The king met Garibaldi at Teano, where he accepted the south and was hailed as king by many. This act was pivotal in unifying Italy under a single monarch.
Proclamation as king of Italy in 1861
On March 17, 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was officially declared King of Italy. For the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire, Italy was united under one sovereign.
He retained the name Victor Emmanuel II instead of Victor Emmanuel I of Italy, signaling continuity with the House of Savoy rather than a new royal line.
The continuing struggle for full unification
Despite the proclamation, unification was incomplete. Venice was still under Austrian control and Rome was protected by French troops. These remained national ambitions.
In 1866, Italy joined Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War and gained Venice. Rome would only be annexed in 1870 after French forces withdrew during the Franco-Prussian War.
Victor Emmanuel’s rule as constitutional monarch
Though a monarch, Victor Emmanuel ruled within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. Parliament held legislative power, while the king maintained influence over military and foreign policy.
He was not a liberal in ideology but supported unity over absolutism. His ability to balance power between tradition and reform helped stabilize the fragile new kingdom.
Public image and symbolic importance
Victor Emmanuel was often portrayed as the “Father of the Fatherland,” a national symbol of unity and patriotism. Statues and monuments celebrated his role in unification.
He cultivated a straightforward image, riding on horseback and wearing a military uniform. This image helped bridge divides between monarchists and nationalists.
Legacy and the Victor Emmanuel Monument
Victor Emmanuel II died on January 9, 1878. His passing marked the end of an era. He was buried in the Pantheon in Rome, an honor reserved for Italy’s most important figures.
In 1911, the massive Victor Emmanuel II Monument was completed in Rome to commemorate his role. Though controversial in design, it stands as a lasting tribute.
Victor Emmanuel in Italian national memory
Victor Emmanuel’s legacy remains a cornerstone of modern Italian identity. His leadership during a transformative time turned regional kingdoms into a nation-state.
Though not without flaws, he is remembered for his decisive role in unification and for supporting national integration over dynastic ambition.
Conclusion: the making of modern Italy
Victor Emmanuel II was not merely a king but a nation-builder. His reign united a fragmented peninsula into one kingdom, reshaping the European political landscape.
His partnership with figures like Cavour and Garibaldi shows how diplomacy, war and popular support together forged a modern state that continues to evolve today.
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