'To what extent did the Italian unification need Cavour and Garibaldi?'

The full Italian unification came about in 1871 but the unification came close to completion as far as ten years earlier in 1861. In 1861, only two Italian states remained unclaimed by Italy. Leading up to 1861, there were a number of factors, which prevented unification of Italian states, most importantly Austrian influence and their presence in the northern states and the lack of patriotism among the Italian people. Two key figures helped overcome these two main problems, Cavour …

…north would have united. Although foreign support played an essential part, the unification was unlikely to take place without the contribution of both Cavour and Garibaldi, not just one of them. Garibaldi was the heart and Cavour the brain and although at times they did not see eye-to-eye they did achieve what they both wanted in one way or another. Together they made the biggest step towards unification even though it was not complete until 1871.