1. Economic Reforms:
- Cavour initiated a series of economic reforms to strengthen Italy's economy. He improved agriculture, developed infrastructure, and expanded trade.
2. Diplomatic Alliances:
- He forged diplomatic alliances with France and Britain to gain their support in case of conflict with Austria, which controlled parts of Italy.
3. The Crimean War:
- During the Crimean War, Cavour allied with France and Britain against Russia, further securing their support.
4. The Plombières Agreement (1858):
- He entered into a secret agreement with Napoleon III of France, whereby France agreed to support Sardinia-Piedmont (led by Cavour) against Austria in exchange for territories in Italy.
5. The Second Italian War of Independence (1859):
- Cavour provoked a war with Austria in 1859 with the help of France. The allies defeated the Austrians, and Sardinia-Piedmont gained Lombardy.
6. Political Maneuvering:
- After the war, Cavour skillfully manipulated political alliances to unify the various Italian states. He gained control over the regions of Tuscany and Emilia.
7. Expedition of the Thousand (1860):
- Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian nationalist, launched an expedition of volunteers, known as the Expedition of the Thousand, to conquer southern Italy.
8. Annexation of Southern Italy:
- Cavour seized the opportunity and orchestrated a plebiscite in southern Italy, effectively annexing it into the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont.
9. Third Italian War of Independence (1866):
- Cavour allied with Prussia against Austria in the Third Italian War of Independence. Prussia's victory led to the annexation of Venetia to Italy.
10. The Capture of Rome (1870):
- Taking advantage of the Franco-Prussian War, Cavour's forces captured Rome, completing Italy's unification under King Victor Emmanuel II.
These steps, combined with Cavour's diplomatic skills, political acumen, and alliances with other European powers, eventually led to the unification of Italy in 1861, with Victor Emmanuel II as the first King of Italy.