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The political landscape began to shift significantly in the 19th century, particularly influenced by the French Revolutionary Wars and the rise of nationalist sentiments. The Revolutions of 1848 ignited thoughts of unification among the Italian states, giving birth to the Risorgimento, a period characterized by movements pushing for a unified Italy.
Led by influential figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, this momentum culminated in a series of wars and political maneuvers that ultimately led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. The final piece of the puzzle was completed with the capture of the Papal States in 1870, solidifying the unification of Italy after more than 1,300 years of division.