Why 1871 Was the Formal Elevation of Rome as the Capital of Italy

Introduction to Historical Context

From ancient times to modernity, Rome has been a pivotal city in the history of Western civilization. Although it has had several roles and titles throughout its long existence, the period leading up to its becoming the capital of modern Italy is particularly fascinating. Rome is the largest city in Italy, and it wasn't always the capital, nor was there ever a place called ‘Ancient Italy’ in the historical sense. This article explores the history of Rome's role as the capital of Italy, focusing on the year 1871.

Rome's History as the Capital

Rome's Founding and Early History: According to Roman legend, Rome was founded in 753 BCE by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. However, archaeological evidence suggests that human habitation in the area dates back much earlier. From 753 BCE to 509 BCE, Rome was part of a kingdom, followed by a Republic until 27 BCE, when it became an Empire under the Roman Empire.

Transition to the Modern Italian Capital: The idea of Rome as the capital of a unified Italy began taking shape in the mid-19th century. By the early 1850s, the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia was actively working to unify Italy with French support. However, the French, while aiding in the unification, were also keen to maintain the sovereignty of the Papal States, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape.

The Year 1870 and the Capture of Rome

In 1870, the situation took a dramatic turn. Napoleon III, the French emperor, declared war on Prussia, and his forces were quickly repatriated from Rome. The lack of French presence opened the door for the Italians to capture Rome, effectively ending the sovereignty of the Papal States and paving the way for Rome to become the capital of modern Italy.

The capture of Rome in 1870 was a pivotal moment in Italian history. The city was finally liberated from centuries of foreign domination, and it became the seat of the new, unified Italian state on October 20, 1871. This date is now recognized as the formal elevation of Rome as the capital.

The Political Implications

The capture of Rome had significant political implications. Initially, the Popes refused to recognize the new capital, considering themselves 'prisoners' in the Vatican and forbidding Italian Catholics from participating in Italian politics. It wasn't until the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini that relations between Rome and the Vatican were normalized, culminating in the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which restored diplomatic relations and addressed the territorial disputes between the two.

Conclusion: The formal elevation of Rome as the capital of Italy in 1871 was a result of complex geopolitical factors and historical events. It marked the end of centuries of foreign influence and the beginning of modern Italian statehood. The transition of Rome from a legendary city to the heart of a unified nation is a testament to the enduring legacy of Rome and its pivotal role in European and global history.

Keywords: Rome, Ancient Italy, Capital of Italy, Unification of Italy, Historical Capitals of Italy

References:

Historical Records of Rome and Early Italy Montefiore, Donald. (2004). Makers of Modern Europe: Francis, Victor Emmanuel, Napoleon, and the Decisive Year of 1859. Faber and Faber. Bush, Paul. (2009). Rome: The Biography of a City. Penguin Books. Raffa, Lucy. (2019). Romanesque: A History of the Places We Have Lived. Penguin Books.