The influential figure behind the unification of Italy in the 19th century was Count Camillo di Cavour. Serving as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Cavour worked tirelessly to promote Italian unity through diplomatic and military strategies. He fostered alliances with France and other states to challenge Austrian dominance in Italy and facilitated the annexation of various Italian territories. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Cavour's pragmatic approach and political acumen made him a key architect of the Italian unification movement, often collaborating with figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi to achieve their shared goals.