San Marino was intentionally allowed to remain independent during the Italian Unification process; in 1849 (prior to the Piedmontese-driven unification process gained steam) reactionary forces in the Papal States (headed by a French expedition) removed a short-lived republican revolutionary government in the City of Rome. Garibaldi, a prominent member of the government, organized a flying column and attempted to inspire republican uprisings in the Papal States. Upon failing to do so, he attempted to make for the City of Venice, which had also instituted a revolutionary government and was under siege by an Austrian army. But long before Garibaldi could make to Venice two Austrian armies were sent to intercept him. Garibaldi sought refuge in San Marino (in reality showing up with his army before San Marino's government could make a decision) and the San Marinese authorities began negotiating the terms of a surrender on his behalf, on the condition that San Marino not be targeted by the Italian unification process. Garibaldi slipped away from the Austrians while the negotiations were still taking place, but he always remembered their request, and consequentially San Marino was allowed to remain independent.