King Victor Emmanuel II

King Victor Emmanuel II (1820-1878) was the first king of a unified Italy, reigning from 1861 to 1878. He played a crucial role in the Italian unification movement, known as the Risorgimento, which aimed to consolidate various independent states into a single nation. Initially the King of Sardinia, he supported military campaigns led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi to achieve unification. His leadership and vision helped transform Italy into a modern state, earning him the title “Father of the Fatherland.” His legacy is celebrated for shaping Italy's national identity and fostering unity in the 19th century.