The Kingdom of Italy was a nation-state that existed from 1861 to 1946. It was formed through the unification of various states and territories on the Italian Peninsula, including the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and the Papal States. The unification process, known as Risorgimento, was driven by key figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour. In 1946, following World War II and a referendum, the monarchy was abolished, and Italy became a republic. The kingdom played a significant role in European politics and was involved in both World Wars, shaping its modern history and identity.