The Treaty of Vienna established new borders and political arrangements following the Austro-Prussian War. As part of the treaty, Austria ceded the regions of Veneto and Mantua to France, which had played a crucial role in the conflict. France, led by Emperor Napoleon III, then awarded these territories to the Kingdom of Italy, which was still in the process of unifying various states into one nation.

This transfer was not merely a matter of territorial expansion for Italy but was also a balanced exchange for Italy's previous acceptance of French claims over Savoy and Nice, which had been critical for France's own national interests. By supporting this transfer, Italy hoped to solidify its territorial integrity and enhance its political legitimacy under the thumb of French patronage.

The cession of these regions allowed Italy to gain significant economic and cultural assets, further integrating the southern regions of Europe into its national framework. Ultimately, the event was part of a greater orchestration of alliances and territorial negotiations occurring within Europe during a time of significant realignment and nation-state formation.