Cavour

Of the three main figures of the Italian Risorgimento, Cavour best understood how to use nationalism to achieve his goal. Mazzini failed to gain support of the majority of the people, while Garibaldi merely provided military assistance. What neither man understood was the importance of Foreign aid. Mazzini even went as far as to oppose assistance from outside, thinking that if Italy were to gain independence on its own, the bonds within the country would …

…had, in fact, nationalistic views even as a young adult. He later put this to use in his constant involvement with foreign aid, Napoleon III in particular as well as his use of realpolitik. He was quick to secularize Piedmont for fear of anything standing in his way and he was able to bring the nation together in there cries of “Italy and Victor Emmanuel” Without Cavour, Italy would unlikely be what it is today.