Ricasoli, Bettino (1809-1880)

Italian statesman. He became a leading figure amongst the Liberal gentry in Tuscany. He was instrumental in the union of Tuscany with Piedmont in 1860. On Camillo Cavour's death in 1861, he accepted the premiership. He recalled Giuseppe Mazzini from exile, and, on his reaccession to office in 1866, made conciliatory but ineffectual overtures to the Vatican. Ricasoli was born in Bioglio, Italy. He was a member of the important Florentine land-owning family.