In this lecture recital, attendees will learn about the Risorgimento Movement and the subsequent unification and nationalization of Italy in the late 19th century. Both Verdi and Puccini played roles in this movement, and we will examine how they used their music to communicate messages and to unify the people in their common cause. Operatic arias will be interspersed throughout the presentation, as sung by the presenter and through videos. Space is limited.