Italian nationalism is a political and cultural movement that emerged in the 19th century, aiming to unify the various states and territories of the Italian peninsula into a single nation. This movement was fueled by a desire for independence from foreign rule and the aspiration to create a cohesive national identity, often symbolized by the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key leader in the unification process. The culmination of Italian nationalism was the unification of Italy in 1861, which brought together regions such as Sardinia, Lombardy, and Veneto under one government. This movement also emphasized the importance of shared language, culture, and history, contributing to a sense of pride and belonging among Italians.