Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, Italy (1810-1861)
Camillo Benso was born in Turin, Italy. A Piedmontese statesman and premier (1852-9), who worked to bring about the unification of Italy (1861). As Prime Minister of Piedmont from 1852-1859 and 1860-1861, he drastically improved economic conditions and enlisted the support of Britain and France for the concept of a united Italy.
After expelling the Austrians in 1859, he resigned over the Peace of Villafranca (which left Venetia Austrian), but returned in 1860 and assisted the expedition of Garibaldi, which gained Sicily and southern Italy. In 1861 Cavour became Prime Minister of the united Italy.