Victor Emmanuel II: The Evolution of the Italian Monarchy and the Birth of United Italy

The modern state of Italy was proclaimed in 1861. The first King of the new state was Victor Emmanuel II, who had previously been the King of Piedmont, a region in the north of Italy. His reign marked a significant transition in the history of Italy, although the title and number 'II' in his name hinted at a continuity rather than a total noveltiy.

From King to King of a Larger State

Before his ascension to the throne of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II was the second King of Piedmont, a region that was the core of the House of Savoy's rule. With the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861, Victor Emmanuel II became the King of a larger, more cohesive state. However, his title 'II' indicated that Italy was not a completely new creation but rather an extension and unification of existing territories.

The new state was largely the result of Piedmont's expansion through strategic annexations of regions, changing the name to Italy. This process effectively transformed a regional power into a national one, though the constitutional framework remained largely unchanged. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, known as the Statuto Albertino, was the same as the previous Kingdom of Sardinia Piedmont, ensuring a continuity in governance and royal authority.

The Evolution of Italian Territory

The process of unification was not yet complete in 1861. Two additional regions were essential to fully realizing the unification of Italy:

The northern region of Veneto, which had been under Austrian control, was added in 1866 after Venetia was ceded by Austria following the Austro-Prussian War. Veneto is known for its cities such as Venice (Venezia) and Verona. The final part, the remains of the Papal States, including the city of Rome, was conquered in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. In 1871, Rome was officially made the capital of Italy, a symbol of the nation's full independence and political unity.

The ongoing nature of these conquests underscores the gradual and complex process of unification, which was significantly influenced by external political events and conflicts, such as the Franco-Prussian War and the Austro-Prussian War.

The Role of the Savoy House

Throughout this period, the primacy of the Savoy House, represented by Victor Emmanuel II, was emphatically maintained. The Savoy family, ruling over the House of Savoy, had shaped the political landscape of the region for centuries. The continuity in leadership and the constitutional framework ensured that the House of Savoy's authority and influence remained paramount, contributing to the stability and unity of the new state of Italy.

Legacy and Impact

The ascension of Victor Emmanuel II to the throne and the unification of Italy marked a significant moment in European history. This consolidation of power and territorial expansion laid the foundation for the modern Italian state, while the use of the title 'II' reflected the transition from a regional power to a national monarchy.

The early 1860s, with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy and the gradual annexation of territories, were pivotal in solidifying the Italian state and establishing Victor Emmanuel II as the unifying figurehead. This period set the stage for the further development of the Italian nation and the enduring influence of the Savoy dynasty in Italian affairs.