Victor Emmanuel II of Italy was the first king of a unified Italy, reigning from 1861 until his death in 1878. He played a crucial role in the Italian unification movement, known as the Risorgimento, which aimed to consolidate various states and territories into a single nation. Before becoming king, he was the ruler of the Kingdom of Sardinia, where he supported efforts led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour. As king, Victor Emmanuel II worked to strengthen the new nation and promote its interests. His reign saw the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the expansion of Italy's territory. He is often remembered as a symbol of national unity and is honored in various monuments, including the Victor Emmanuel II Monument in Rome.