Question

Who among the following was proclaimed the first Emperor of unified Italy in 1861?

• A. Emmanuel II
• B. Giuseppe Mazzini
• C. William I
• D. Giuseppe Garibaldi

Hint:

Remember: Victor Emmanuel II became the first King of unified Italy in 1861. Mazzini and Garibaldi were key revolutionaries, while William I was involved in German unification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The unification of Italy, also known as the Risorgimento, was a political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian peninsula into the single nation of Italy in the 19th century. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed, and Victor Emmanuel II of the Kingdom of Sardinia was declared the first King of a united Italy (not "Emperor" in title, but often referred to as the first ruler of unified Italy). His leadership was crucial in the unification process, as he supported the efforts of statesmen and revolutionaries like Count Cavour, Giuseppe Mazzini, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Let’s clarify the roles of the options:
- (A) Emmanuel II:
Correct Answer. Proclaimed King of Italy in 1861 after unification. - (B) Giuseppe Mazzini:
An important nationalist thinker and revolutionary who inspired the unification movement, but he never ruled. - (C) William I:
Was the King of Prussia, later became German Emperor, not related to Italy’s unification. - (D) Giuseppe Garibaldi:
A military leader who contributed significantly to unification through campaigns like the Expedition of the Thousand but never became king.
Note:
The title is "King" of Italy, not "Emperor", but the intent of the question clearly refers to the first monarch of unified Italy.