One of the greatest roadblocks to Italian unity was...

One of the greatest roadblocks to Italian unity was the diverse and fragmented nature of the Italian peninsula, which consisted of multiple states and political entities often ruled by foreign powers or local autocrats. The lack of a common language (different dialects were spoken throughout the peninsula), regional loyalties, and varied economic systems also posed significant challenges. Additionally, the influence of the Catholic Church and the Papal States, which controlled a large central area of the Italian peninsula, was a considerable hurdle. The Popes generally opposed unification because it would diminish their temporal power. Moreover, the opposition of foreign states like Austria, which had significant holdings and influence in Northern Italy, was another major obstacle.

The process of Italian unification, also known as the Risorgimento, spanned from approximately 1815 to 1871. Key figures like Count Camillo di Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and King Victor Emmanuel II played crucial roles in unifying the peninsula. Cavour, as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, used diplomacy and strategic alliances (especially with France) to weaken Austrian influence and annex significant territories. Garibaldi, a nationalist and military leader, led the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, which resulted in the conquering of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This action, along with plebiscites in various states, helped to consolidate the southern part of Italy with the north. The final act of unification occurred in 1871 when Rome was taken over and designated as the capital, following the withdrawal of French troops and the capture of the Papal States. The struggle for unification has left a substantial legacy in Italy, influencing its political structures and cultural identity.