Second Italian War of Independence

The Second Italian War of Independence began in 1859 after Piedmont-Sardinia, supported by Napoleon III’s France, manoeuvred Austria into war. French and Sardinian armies entered Lombardy and defeated Austrian forces in a rapid campaign across northern Italy.

Battles including Magenta and Solferino weakened Austrian control and led to the transfer of Lombardy to Piedmont-Sardinia. The conflict became a decisive stage in the Risorgimento and helped create the political conditions for the Kingdom of Italy.