The New Student's Reference Work/Victor Emmanuel II

Vic′tor Emman′uel II, king of Italy, born at Turin, March 14, 1820, was the son of Charles Albert, king of Sardinia. After serving gallantly in the army, he became king of Sardinia by the abdication of his father on the evening of the battle of Novara, March 23, 1849. From the Austrian conquerors of his country he succeeded in obtaining the withdrawal of their demand that the Sardinian constitution be abolished. This liberal constitution, granted by his father, he faithfully maintained, earning by this conduct the title of The Honest King and winning the confidence of the Italian nation. He chose wise counselors, and, with Cavour to guide, made many reforms, took part in the Crimean War, and visited Paris and London. With the help of the French the battles of Solferino and Magenta were fought against Austria, but the peace of Villafranca between Austria and France left Italy still distant from its hoped-for unity. But Tuscany, Modena, Parma and the Romagna voted for annexation to Sardinia, and the Prussian alliance in 1866 gave Venice to Italy. The French withdrew from Rome, and on Dec. 31, 1870, Victor Emmanuel entered Rome and became king of a united Italy. He reigned eight years, dying at Rome, Jan. 9, 1878. Consult Life by Dicey and by Godkin and Italy under Victor Emmanuel by Arrivabene.