When the territorial ambitions of Italy towards Austria-Hungary had to be substantially reduced, Orlando’s government resigned in June 1919. It was the end of Sonnino's political career and he did not participate in the elections in November 1919. Nominated senator in October 1920, he did not actively participate. Sonnino died suddenly on 24 November 1922 in Rome, suffering an apoplectic stroke. Known as the "silent statesman of Italy", he could speak five languages fluently. One of Sonnino's main aims was to revive southern Italy economically and morally, as well as to fight illiteracy. He never married.