Which leaders played an important role in the struggle for Italian independence and unification in the nineteenth century?

Introduction / Context:
This question covers nineteenth century European nationalism and focuses on the unification of Italy. Several leaders contributed in different ways to bring together many small states and foreign controlled regions into one Italian nation. Identifying the key names involved in this process is a standard part of modern history syllabi.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The topic is Italian independence and unification, not German unification. • The options mention Bismarck, Mazzini, Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel the Second. • The question asks who played an important role, with the possibility of more than one correct leader in a single option. • We are expected to know the basic roles of these historical figures.

Concept / Approach:
In the Italian context, Giuseppe Mazzini was the revolutionary thinker and organiser who founded Young Italy and inspired national consciousness. Giuseppe Garibaldi was the soldier and popular leader whose volunteer forces, often called the Red Shirts, carried out military campaigns in southern Italy. Victor Emmanuel the Second was the king of Sardinia Piedmont who later became the king of a united Italy. Otto von Bismarck, however, is associated with German unification, not Italian unification. Because both Mazzini and Garibaldi actively led and inspired the Italian struggle, the combined option with their names is the best answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Separate German and Italian unification in your mind, linking Bismarck with Germany and Mazzini and Garibaldi with Italy. Step 2: Recall that Mazzini provided ideological guidance and revolutionary organisations such as Young Italy. Step 3: Remember that Garibaldi led military campaigns, including the Expedition of the Thousand, that helped unify southern Italy. Step 4: Note that both of these names appear together in one of the options. Step 5: Select the option stating Both Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History books on Italian unification frequently describe Mazzini as the soul of Italian nationalism and Garibaldi as the sword of Italian unification. They are mentioned together as key heroes in Italy. Victor Emmanuel the Second and Cavour also played important roles, but exam oriented questions that emphasise the struggle for independence usually highlight Mazzini and Garibaldi as the revolutionary pair, confirming that the combined option is correct here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Otto von Bismarck only: Bismarck led German unification, not the Italian struggle. Giuseppe Mazzini only: Important but incomplete, because Garibaldi also played a major role. Giuseppe Garibaldi only: Also incomplete, as it ignores Mazzini's crucial ideological work. Victor Emmanuel the Second only: He was the king who accepted a united Italy, but he alone does not represent the broader independence movement.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the national movements of Germany and Italy or forget that more than one leader was important. A useful memory trick is the phrase Mazzini the soul, Garibaldi the sword, Cavour the brain and Victor Emmanuel the king for Italy, whereas Bismarck is the key figure for German unification. Keeping these associations separate helps avoid mixing up names in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The leaders who played an important role in Italian independence and unification were both Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi.