The success of the allies in the Crimean War confirmed the
prescience of Cavour.
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.
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