Napoleon III wished to secure for France supremacy in southern Europe.  In 1855 he inquired of the Sardinian minister, “What can I do for Italy?” The Crimean War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1856.  At the congress which concluded that peace Cavour presented the case of Italy against Austria.  Not long after this it became evident that Napoleon was prepared to espouse the Italian cause.  In 1858 it was agreed that he should do this.

Sardinia now prepared for war.  Austria sent an ultimatum demanding a reduction of the Sardinian army to a peace footing, This demand was refused.  In January, 1859, Austria mobilized fresh troops on the Italian frontier, and Cavour requested Garibaldi to organize a volunteer corps to be called Cacciatori delle Alpi ("Hunters of the Alps").  Still Cavour disclaimed a warlike policy, denying that the hostile initiative was taken by Sardinia, although in this position he was opposed by some members of his own Parliament.  Nevertheless Cavour declared:  “I believe I am justified in proclaiming aloud, in the presence of Parliament, of the nation, and of Europe, that if there has been provocation it was offered by Austria.”  As shown by Orsi, the Italian historian, the great minister maintained this attitude as long as it was possible to hold back from the actual conflict.

Cavour insisted that Austria must be the aggressive party, for in the treaty with Napoleon III it had been stipulated that France would come to the help of Sardinia only in case of the latter being attacked by Austria.  Hence Cavour was obliged to seek every means of putting his country into the attitude of the provoked party.  How many disappointments, uncertainties, and anxieties crowded those days, from February to the end of April, 1859!  In order to understand the enormous difficulties overcome by Cavour it would be necessary to follow literally, day by day, the history of that period.  In March he repaired to Paris to ascertain Napoleon’s action:  it was too evident, however, that French public opinion was unfavorable to war, and the Emperor was wavering.  Russia and England suggested that the question should be solved by a congress, to which proposal Napoleon III acceded:  Cavour now believed all was lost, since Sardinia could not refuse without putting herself in the wrong.  Fortunately, the difficulty was solved by Austria boldly insisting that Sardinia should disarm before being represented at the congress, and on April 23d this demand was enforced by an ultimatum, to be answered within three days.

Now ensued a genuine declaration of hostilities, and most joyfully did Victor Emmanuel make the following announcement to his troops:  “Soldiers!  Austria, who masses her armies on our frontiers and threatens to invade our country because liberty and order rule there; because concord and affection between sovereign and people—­and not force—­sway the State; because there the anguished cry of oppressed