The failures of 1848 - 49 shifted the focus of nationalists and liberals to the state of Piedmont Sardinia. After 1852, the Prime Minster of Piedmont was Count Camillo Benso di Cavour; he wanted to rid Italy of Austrian influence and to extend the power and influence of Piedmont. He pursued economic, political and diplomatic policies which were to be key in ensuring these aims were achieved in the years to 1860.