1. Strong and Stable Monarchy: Sardinia was the only Italian state with a stable, well-organized government, with a strong monarch and a capable prime minister. This stability provided the necessary foundation for the ambitious project of unification.
2. Economic Strength: Sardinia had a relatively developed economy compared to other Italian states, particularly due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean and its commercial ties with France and Britain. This economic strength provided resources for the military and political maneuvering needed for unification.
3. Diplomatic Skill: Cavour was a master diplomat, skillfully maneuvering Sardinia into alliances with France and Britain. This enabled Sardinia to secure their support in the wars against Austria, a key step in unifying the Italian peninsula.
4. Military Capabilities: The Sardinian army, though relatively small, was well-trained and equipped. It proved effective in the wars against Austria and helped secure victories that contributed significantly to the unification process.
5. Nationalistic Sentiment: While not the only Italian state with a strong nationalistic movement, Sardinia's leadership and the political landscape created fertile ground for rallying support for unification. The Risorgimento, the Italian unification movement, gained traction under Sardinian leadership.
6. Opportunism and Timing: Cavour seized the opportunity to unify Italy by exploiting the weakness of Austria, a major power in the region, and the political instability in other Italian states. The timing was crucial for the success of the unification project.
7. Garibaldi's Role: While Sardinia led the unification effort, the daring guerrilla tactics of Giuseppe Garibaldi and his "Red Shirts" were instrumental in unifying southern Italy. His military campaigns in Sicily and Naples added significant territory to the newly unified kingdom.
In summary, the Kingdom of Sardinia's leadership in Italian unification resulted from a combination of factors: strong leadership, economic resources, diplomatic skills, military capabilities, nationalistic sentiment, opportunistic maneuvering, and the crucial contribution of Garibaldi's forces.