The Italian monarchy was the system of government in Italy from its unification in 1861 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1946. It was established under King Victor Emmanuel II, who became the first king of a united Italy. The monarchy played a significant role in the country's early political landscape, navigating through various challenges, including two World Wars. In 1946, a referendum led to the establishment of the Italian Republic, marking the end of the monarchy. The last king, Umberto II, reigned for only a short time before going into exile. Today, the legacy of the monarchy remains a topic of historical interest in Italy.