Why and with what success did Piedmont become the focus of attention in the movement towards Italian unification?

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Why and with what success did Piedmont become the focus of attention in the movement towards Italian unification?

Piedmont in the 1850’s was the centre of all political attention involving the unification of the peninsula, Piedmont climbing the international hierarchal ladder with great success due to her efforts on a political level. The Piedmont’s political influence within Italy due to the leadership of Cavour increasing political and economical options. In turn events leading to war with Austria became her ally in the unanimous decision to unify Italy. After overpowering its captor the Piedmont is able to turn peninsula into the country we know as Italy today!

So why the Piedmont why not anyone else. The Piedmont had become the most industrialised state in Italy due to money Cavour had managed to borrow which forced the government to appoint him head of finance. Economically Piedmont was changing; laws of free trade were passed allowing the Piedmont o import/export goods. This also allowed commercial trading. Freedom of speech was granted and the Piedmont became more cosmopolitan drawing people from all over Italy due to its economic status. Cavour was appointed president allowing him to pass his law of “cannubio” (marriage) uniting the left and right wing.

Piedmont being set in the far north of the country means it borders with 3 other countries allowing trade routes to be travelled with ease. Its strong army is also able to defend due to this.

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The formation of the national society meant that the Piedmont also had allies in their race to unify Italy; although he national society had slightly different goals they are both fighting for the same end. Therefore Piedmont has external support.

Piedmont did not only become the focus of attention due to its economic situation and advanced transport facilities. The Crimean war of 1854 between Russia and Turkey meant that Piedmont were able to show her support for the rest of the world even though hardly any Piedmontese soldiers saw the frontline. The fact that Piedmont had been involved ...

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