Cavour

The Prime Minister of Sardinia who brought about the unification of Italy through diplomacy and reform.

Life

Piedmontese noble

Cavour came from a noble family in Piedmont. As a young man he traveled in Britain and France, studied economics and parliamentary government, ran a farm, and founded the newspaper Il Risorgimento.

Prime Minister of Sardinia

In 1852 he became prime minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, building railways, developing industry and commerce, and establishing modern public finances. He sent troops to join the Crimean War, using it to raise the Italian question internationally; in 1858 he concluded a secret alliance with Napoleon III, and in 1859 defeated Austria and gained Lombardy. He then deftly annexed the southern Italy conquered by Garibaldi to the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Architect of unification

When the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 he became its first prime minister, and he died of illness three months later.

Legacy

Cavour is regarded as the architect of unification; he achieved the Unification of Italy through diplomacy and gradual reform rather than revolution.

Did you know? His last words are said to have been: "Italy is made; all is well."

Key dates

• 1847Founds Il Risorgimento
• 1852Becomes Prime Minister of Sardinia
• 1855Joins the Crimean War
• 1859Second War of Independence
• 1861Becomes prime minister of Italy; dies the same year