Victor Emmanuel II: The King of a Wider Italy

The modern state of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, marking a pivotal moment in European history. At the heart of this transformation stood Victor Emmanuel II, who ascended as the first King of the newly formed Italian state. Prior to 1861, he had served as the King of Piedmont, a region in northern Italy, and was the second holder of this royal title, hence the number II.

The King of Piedmont and Beyond

Victor Emmanuel II's reign as the King of Piedmont began in 1849 when he became the de jure king following the abdication of Charles Albert. He initially ruled Piemonte-Sarda, a kingdom that later adopted the name Sardinia. By the time the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, he was ready to take on a much broader role.

From Kingdom to Kingdom

The proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy on 17 March 1861 was a significant event that marked a continuation and expansion of the House of Savoy's rule. Even though Victor Emmanuel's proclamation noted the birth of a new state, the ordinal 'II' following his name indicated a continuity rather than a complete break from the past.

Importantly, the Constitution of the Kingdom, known as the Statuto Albertino, remained largely the same as that of the Piombino constitution, continuing the primacy of the Savoy House in Italian governance.

The Unification Process

While 1861 marked the official beginning of the Kingdom of Italy, the state was not yet complete. Two crucial regions remained outside the control of the new kingdom:

The Veneto Region and Venezia

The northern region of Veneto, which had been under Austrian control, was integrated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. This region includes major cities like Venice (Venezia) and Verona, significantly expanding the size and influence of the kingdom.

The Papal States

The remains of the Papal States, particularly the city of Rome, were conquered in 1870 and officially made part of Italy in 1871. Rome was designated as the capital of the newly unified nation, marking the final consolidation of the Italian state.

A New Era in Italian History

Victor Emmanuel II's reign as the King of Italy reflected a complex interplay of continuity and change. Through a combination of diplomatic maneuvers, military advances, and gradual annexations, he led the nation towards a unified and modern state, preserving the legacy of the House of Savoy while ushering in a new era of Italian politics and governance.

His reign, marked by the dual designation 'II', symbolized the enduring strength and ambition of the Italian royal family, committed to the transformation and unification of Italy into a powerful nation.