Giuseppe Mazzini (Italian: [dʒuˈzɛppe matˈtsini]; 22 June 1805 – 10 March 1872), nicknamed The Beating Heart of Italy, was an Italian politician, journalist and activist for the unification of Italy. His efforts helped bring about the independent and unified Italy[2] in place of the several separate states, many dominated by foreign powers that existed until the 19th century. He also helped define the modern European movement for popular democracy in a republican state.[citation needed]