Step 1: Background of Italian unification.
The unification of Italy, also called the Risorgimento, was a political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian Peninsula into a single nation. The process began in the early 19th century.
Step 2: Key timeline.
- In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II as its king.
- However, Rome and Venetia were not yet included.
- Rome was annexed in 1870, and in 1871 Rome became the capital of unified Italy, marking the completion of unification.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(A) 1861: Important milestone, but not the final completion.
(B) 1871: Correct — the year when Rome was made the capital and unification was considered complete.
(C) 1720: Too early, unrelated to Italian unification.
(D) 1817: Also before the unification movement started.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the unification of Italy was completed in 1871.