Hans-Adam II vs Victor Emmanuel II

Hans-Adam II became Prince of Liechtenstein upon the death of his father, Franz Joseph II. He inherited a constitutional monarchy with significant powers, which he would later seek to expand through constitutional reforms.

Under Hans-Adam II's reign, Liechtenstein became a member of the United Nations, ending its long-standing policy of neutrality in international organizations. This move increased the principality's global diplomatic engagement.

Hans-Adam II threatened to relocate the princely family to Vienna if the government did not grant him more powers. This ultimatum led to negotiations that eventually resulted in the 2003 constitutional reforms, highlighting tensions between the prince and the elected government.

Hans-Adam II oversaw Liechtenstein's accession to the European Economic Area, integrating the principality into the EU's single market while maintaining its customs union with Switzerland. This decision boosted the economy but required compromises on sovereignty.

Hans-Adam II pushed through a constitutional referendum that granted the prince sweeping powers, including the ability to veto legislation, dismiss the government, and appoint judges. The reform passed with 64% voter approval, centralizing authority in the monarchy.

As King of Sardinia, Victor Emmanuel II retained the Statuto Albertino, a constitution granted by his father. This constitution became the legal foundation of the Kingdom of Italy, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.

Victor Emmanuel II sent Sardinian troops to fight alongside France and Britain in the Crimean War. This participation elevated Sardinia's diplomatic standing, leading to French support for Italian unification in the subsequent Plombi

Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of Italy by the first Italian Parliament in Turin. This event formally unified most of the Italian peninsula under the House of Savoy, with the exception of Venetia and Rome, marking the birth of the Kingdom of Italy.

Following the Austro-Prussian War, Italy, allied with Prussia, annexed Venetia from Austria. Victor Emmanuel II's forces suffered defeats on land but gained the territory through the Treaty of Vienna, completing a key step in unification.

Italian troops under Victor Emmanuel II breached the Porta Pia in Rome, completing the unification of Italy. The Papal States were annexed, and Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, ending the temporal power of the Pope.

Victor Emmanuel II died in Rome, having unified Italy under his rule. His death marked the end of the founding era of the Kingdom of Italy, and he was buried in the Pantheon, becoming a symbol of Italian unification.