KINGDOM OF ITALY Meaning and
Definition
-
Kingdom of Italy refers to a historical state in Southern Europe that existed from 1861 to 1946. It was established after the unification of various territories in the Italian peninsula through the efforts of prominent figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour. The Kingdom of Italy encompassed a significant portion of the Italian peninsula, including regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany, and the Papal States.
The Kingdom of Italy was a constitutional monarchy with the monarch serving as the head of state. The first king of Italy was Victor Emmanuel II, who reigned from 1861 until his death in 1878. He was succeeded by his son, Umberto I, and subsequently by Victor Emmanuel III. During its existence, the Kingdom of Italy witnessed significant political and social transformations, such as the rise of fascism under Benito Mussolini in the early 20th century.
The Kingdom of Italy played a prominent role in European affairs during its existence, engaging in alliances and conflicts with other European powers. It participated in World War I, aligning itself with the Allied Powers, and later joined World War II as a member of the Axis powers.
The Kingdom of Italy was dissolved in 1946 following the popular referendum that resulted in the establishment of the Italian Republic. This marked the end of monarchy in Italy and the beginning of a new era in Italian history.
