Part 7/9:
The 19th century ushered in a wave of nationalism known as the Risorgimento, sparking movements toward unification. Charismatic figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Camillo di Cavour rose to prominence, culminating in the unification of Italy in 1861 under King Victor Emmanuel II.
Despite the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, Italy grappled with economic hardships post-World War I, a precursor to the rise of Benito Mussolini and his fascist regime in the 1920s. Mussolini's government, characterized by dictatorship and ambition for empire, ultimately faltered as Italy aligned imperfectly with the Axis Powers during World War II.