WHII: SOL 8c, d Unification of Italy and Germany

Great Britain Great Britain was able to avoid the revolutionary events on the continent in the early to mid-1800s. Britain was no longer an absolute monarchy, so the people already had a say in their government. Britain already had begun some reforms, such as abolishing slavery and expanding political reforms (e.g., the Reform Bill of 1832, which expanded the electorate).

Unification of Italy Count Cavour unified Northern Italy. Giuseppe Garibaldi joined southern Italy to northern Italy. The Papal States (including Rome) became the last to join Italy.

Cavour and Garibaldi

Count Cavour, the Sardinian (Piedmont) minister, was responsible for unifying northern Italy under the Piedmont monarchy. Garibaldi, a nationalistic leader of the “red shirts” in southern Italy, overthrew the monarch in that area. Even though he preferred a republic, he turned the area over to Cavour, leaving the Papal States as the last holdout. In 1870, the Papal States (belonged to Catholic church) were forced to join the unification, leaving them only with what is today the Vatican.

Unification of Germany Otto von Bismarck led Prussia in the unification of Germany through war and by appealing to nationalist feelings. Bismarck’s actions were seen as an example of Realpolitik, which justifies all means to achieve and hold power. The Franco-Prussian War led to the creation of the German state.

Otto von Bismarck, the “Iron Chancellor” of Prussia, led the unification process for Germany around the state of Prussia. Bismarck’s actions reflected the Machiavellian Realpolitik belief, which justifies all means to achieve and hold power. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 was the final step in the German unification process and helped lay the foundation for World War I, in which France was punished severely and lost territory to Germany

Impact of Unification The unification introduced two more major powers into Europe. Italy and Germany now must compete with other countries that have a head start on industrial and colonial development. To counteract this inequality and unite Germany, Bismarck will mastermind and win the Franco-Prussian War. France will seek revenge for the Franco-Prussian War. Alliance systems may develop in Europe. Military buildups will occur among competing European nations