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By 1848, a wave of revolutions swept across Europe, igniting nationalist sentiments throughout Italy—marking the beginning of the Risorgimento. This period filled many with hope for a united Italy as monarchies capitulated to popular demands for constitutions. The notable Five Days of Milan saw a decisive uprising leading to temporary Italian control over Lombardy-Venetia. However, disunity among revolutionary leaders and subsequent defeats, particularly against Austrian forces, dashed hopes for immediate unification. The brief establishment of the Roman Republic led by Mazzini was ultimately crushed.