Which role did Mazzini play in Italian unification?

A. He conquered the southern part of Italy, including Sicily.

B. He dreamed of a united Italy and took the first steps to achieving it.

C. He was assassinated by the French government, making him a martyr.

D. He was the first leader of a united Italy.

Correct answer: B. He dreamed of a united Italy and took the first steps to achieving it.

Details:

Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872) was a powerful promoter of Italian nationalism during the 19th century, at a time when the Italian peninsula was divided into many smaller entities. He founded the group known as Young Italy and was a major figure in the Italian unification movement known as "Risorgimento" ("rising again"). He was a strong voice calling for all Italians to unite together in a republic. Let me quote you a bit from Mazzini, an example of his persuasive style:

"I, believing in the mission entrusted by God to Italy, and the duty of every Italian to strive to attempt its fulfillment; convinced that where God has ordained that a nation shall be, he has given the requisite power to create it; that the people are the depositaries of that power, and that in its right direction for the people, and by the people, lies the secret of victory; convinced that virtue consists in action and sacrifice, and strength in union and constancy of purpose: I give my name to Young Italy, an association of men holding the same faith."

Italy did not finish its nationalist program of unification as soon as Mazzini would have wanted. A united Italy finally came together in 1871, not long before Mazzini's death. But he had been a pioneer of the movement that brought Italians together during his lifetime.