Count Cavour

History glossary

Also called: Camillo di Cavour · Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "The Rise of Nationalism in Europe"

Meaning

Count Camillo di Cavour was the chief minister of Sardinia-Piedmont. Of all the Italian states, it was the only one ruled by an Italian princely family. Cavour led the movement to unite Italy under its king, Victor Emmanuel II. He was neither a revolutionary nor a democrat. He worked through diplomacy and alliances. Like many educated Italians of his time, he spoke French better than Italian.

Example

Cavour made a careful alliance with France. With French help, Sardinia-Piedmont defeated Austria in 1859. This was a key step towards 1861, when Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of united Italy.

Don't confuse with

  • Giuseppe Mazzini: Mazzini was a revolutionary who wanted a united Italian republic. Cavour was a royal minister who wanted Italy united under a king.
  • Giuseppe Garibaldi: Garibaldi led armed volunteers in battle. Cavour worked through diplomacy.

Related concepts

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