The movement for national unification in Italy emerged from a background of division and foreign domination. For centuries, Italy was fragmented into independent city-states, duchies, and other political entities, which prevented Italy from becoming a unified nation. Additionally, parts of Italy were controlled by foreign powers like Spain, France, and Austria.
The nature of the movement was nationalist and revolutionary. Italian nationalists were inspired by the ideas of the Risorgimento, a cultural and political movement that promoted Italian nationalism and independence. Leaders like Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi advocated for a unified, independent Italian republic. They helped spark revolutionary sentiment against foreign rule and the fragmented political system. Secret societies spread nationalist ideas and staged