How did Camillo Benso, count di Cavour change Piedmont’s economic policy?

Camillo Benso, count di Cavour, transformed Piedmont’s economic policy by shifting the country toward a system of almost complete free trade. Upon becoming a key figure in the government, he actively worked to dismantle the existing restrictions of economic paternalism and municipalism.1

His specific economic actions included:

• Breaking Financial Monopolies: He moved to break the influence of the House of Rothschild over Piedmontese finances.1
• Fiscal Reform: He defied experts by imposing heavy taxes to stabilize and modernize the state's financial standing.1
• International Trade: He negotiated a series of treaties with nations such as France, Belgium, and England to foster economic integration with major powers. This strategy not only opened new markets for local goods—winning the favor of Great Britain—but also served his broader political goal of creating a network of economic interests to support a future alliance against Austria.21

By modernizing the economy, Cavour aimed to demonstrate that Piedmont could govern itself wisely and act as a significant force in European affairs.1