Italy

# Description

Italy (officially the Kingdom of Italy) was founded in 1861. The nation is headed by King Umberto II of Italy and Prime Minister ***Alfonso Udinesi***.

## History

### Formation

The movement for Italian unification, known as the Risorgimento, gained momentum in the early 19th century. It was fueled by a desire for national unity, independence from foreign rule, and the ideals of liberalism and nationalism.

The process of unification began in 1859 when the Kingdom of Sardinia formed an alliance with France against the Austrian Empire, which controlled large parts of northern Italy. In the subsequent Franco-Austrian War, Sardinia and its allies achieved significant victories against Austria, leading to the Treaty of Villafranca in 1859. Under the terms of the treaty, Lombardy was ceded by Austria to Sardinia, and several central Italian states were allowed to establish independent governments.

In 1860, Garibaldi led a campaign known as the Expedition of the Thousand, aiming to liberate the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, which encompassed southern Italy and Sicily. Garibaldi's forces achieved remarkable successes and swiftly captured Sicily and Naples, leading to the downfall of the Bourbon monarchy in the south.

Meanwhile, in the north, the Kingdom of Sardinia expanded its territorial control through diplomatic negotiations and plebiscites. Cavour played a crucial role in convincing various Italian states to join Sardinia, using political maneuvering and alliances to strengthen the cause of unification.

Finally, in 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II, the King of Sardinia, as its monarch. The new kingdom initially included the territories of Sardinia, Lombardy, Venetia (acquired in 1866), and the central Italian states that had gained independence after the Franco-Austrian War. Rome, which was under papal rule, and Venetia, which was still under Austrian control, remained outside the newly formed kingdom.

The process of Italian unification was completed in 1870 when Italian forces, supported by the withdrawal of French troops during the Franco-Prussian War, captured Rome from the Papal States. Rome was declared the capital of Italy, and with the acquisition of Venetia in 1866, the Kingdom of Italy achieved its territorial unification.

### World War I

Italy's role in World War I was complex and underwent a significant transformation during the course of the conflict. At the outbreak of the war in 1914, Italy declared neutrality, despite being a member of the ***Triple Alliance*** alongside ***Germany*** and Austria-Hungary.

However, in 1915, Italy entered the war on the side of the Allies. Italy sought to acquire territories with significant ethnic Italian populations, such as Trentino, South Tyrol, and Istria, which were controlled by Austria-Hungary.

The Italian government negotiated a secret treaty with the Allies known as the Treaty of London in April 1915. The treaty promised Italy territorial gains in exchange for its participation in the war against the Central Powers.

Italian forces launched offensives against Austria-Hungary in 1915 but faced significant challenges, including difficult mountainous terrain and determined Austrian defenses. The conflict on the Italian front became characterized by brutal trench warfare and high casualties.

Despite these difficulties, Italy managed to make some territorial gains during the war. In 1918, Italian forces, with the support of the Allies, launched a series of successful offensives that led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a result, Italy acquired Trentino, South Tyrol, parts of Istria, and territories in Dalmatia.

Italy's participation in World War I had a profound impact on the country. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and economic hardships, contributing to political instability and social unrest in the post-war period. The territorial gains made during the war also laid the groundwork for future tensions and disputes in the region.

### World War II

Italy's involvement in World War II commenced with the ascension of ***Benito Mussolini*** and his fascist regime in the 1920s. Mussolini's objective was to rejuvenate Italy's past grandeur and augment its influence through aggressive foreign policies.

In 1940, Mussolini engaged in negotiations with ***Adolf Hitler***, resulting in an agreement wherein Italy would be granted colonies in Africa following victory in Europe. Consequently, Italy aligned itself with the Axis Powers.

However, due to the lack of loyalty from the Italian army, Mussolini refrained from taking action in Africa. This led to a coup against Mussolini, resulting in his overthrow and subsequent demise. Alfonso Udinesi assumed power and declared war in Africa, successfully reclaiming Italy's colonies.

After a protracted five-year war, the ***Treaty of Berlin*** was ultimately signed, bringing an end to hostilities in Europe and Africa and securing additional territory for Italy.

### Cold War

After the war on the European front ended, Italy begin growing. They moved many recourses to recolonization efforts in Africa causing a brain drain from Italy. Italy never fully recovered their men as some of their military was sent to Africa and lots of men were lost in the beginning of the war.

The Italian government has made a habit of blaming Mussolini and the royal family for the majority of their problems.

When the ***Global Federation*** was created Germany did not invite Italy to join due to fear that they would respond in the same way as ***Japan***. However, both Germany and Japan have made plans to bring Italy to their side.