The Unification of Italy

Nationalism Nationalism = feeling of belonging and loyalty to a nation. It is a powerful force that can: Create a nation from separate countries Break a country up into many nations. (ex. Italy and Germany) (ex. Austria-Hungary, and Turkey)

Nationalism cont. Can be a cause of war Can take many different forms (ex. WWI and WWII) Can take many different forms Propaganda

The Italian States Unite, 1859-1870 Like German Situation No political unity since Roman times

Barriers to Italian Nationalism After Congress of Vienna, Italy was made up of 9 different states: Piedmont-Sardinia (the largest) Venetia and Lombardy The Papal States Other states ruled by foreign monarchs Regional loyalties-old ‘city states’ idea, but Napoleon had sparked those dreams of unity. Congress of Vienna ignored this. Austrian, French, and Hapsburg rulers took control. This disregard for their people and land leads to uprisings, but each time Austria crushes them.

Barriers to Italian Nationalism Geography - mountains split Italy E/W; the Po river split N/S

Barriers to Italian Nationalism Illiteracy Papal States Lack of consensus in Italy Lack of European support -as most of the population could not read and write, nationalistic propaganda was difficult to spread felt a united Italy would lessen his rights in the papal states Italian states disagreed on a leader and type of government European nations felt a strong Italy would interfere with their plans

Factors That Led to Italian Unification Geography Isolated develop unique culture Alps to the North Surrounded by oceans. Geography again, but here’s the plus side! Similarities to Japan’s Meiji Restoration.

Factors That Led to Italian Unification History Italians are proud of their heritage Ancient Rome Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states Nationalism spreads Efforts of 3 Men: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Cavour Heritage ->the Italian Renaissance. Napoleon led to a desire not to be conquered again Italian unity. Remember those uprisings we talked about earilier that were crushed by Austria? This is about to come into play again.

Giuseppe Mazzini-“Prophet of Italian Unification” A member of the Carbonari. Formed Young Italy Tried revolution but failed. The Carbonari were a secret group which used violence to obtain what it wanted. (What do we call people who do this today? Martyrs vs. terrorist question) Young Italy-another secret society made up of young people whose job it was to arouse enthusiasm for a united nation. “To constitute Italy, one, free, independent, republican nation” In 1849 he helped set up a revolutionary republic in Rome, but the French took back over. He was then exiled. BUT, the nationalist seeds had been planted. “Ideas grow quickly when watered by the blood of martyrs.”

Count Camillo di Cavour, “Architect of Italian Unification” “Architect” (planner) of Piedmont-Sardinia’s revolt against Austria. Encouraged other Italian states to revolt. At this point, Sardinia is leading the nationalist movement under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II (not entirely selfless motives) In 1852, Cavour becomes his Prime Minister. He was a flexible, practical, crafty politician ready to do whatever was necessary (Realpolitik!) He maneuvers events in the Crimean war so that Napoleon III becomes his ally, then he provokes a war with Austria. With France’s help, he wins and gains Lombardy. Other Italian states are watching this-they overthrow their leaders and join Sardinia. (Review Map)

Giuseppe Garibaldi, “The Sword of Italian Unification” “Red Shirts” Invaded Sicily, urged them to join Piedmont-Sardinia under Victor Emmanuel. Gave all conquered lands to Victor Emmanuel. Down in S Italy in the Kingdom of 2 Sicilies, Garilbaldi (longtime nationalist and friend of Mazzini) was ready for action. He recruits 1000 “red-shirts,” allies with Cavour back up in Sardinia (who provides weapons and a couple ships) His “red shirts” quickly take over Sicily, cross to the mainland, and capture Naples (Review Map) Garibaldi’s success scared Cavour (remember, he wants power too, so Garibaldi is a threat) He sends his men to “deal” with Garibaldi, but his men take over the Papal States and JOIN Garibaldi instead. Cavour’s fears were needless-Garibaldi turns over the lands he conquered to Victor Emmanuel anyway.

How Italy was United 1861: Victor Emmanuel II crowned King of Italy 1866: Austro-Prussian War- Venetia added 1870-71: Franco-Prussian War- Rome added Two “Italian” areas were still not part of this new Italy-Rome and Venetia (Review map) After the Austro Prussian War, Italy negotiates a deal with Bismarck to get Venetia. After the Franco-Prussian War, France was forced to withdraw its troops from Rome. For the first time since the Roman Empire, Italy was united.

Problems Faced by a United Italy North v. South Italy v. Roman Catholic Church Unhappy with Gov’t Structure No universal suffrage No tradition of unity, so regional rivalries continue Remember how Italy was geographically divided? N=urban and rich, S=rural and poor Many Catholics refuse to participate in new nation (as did the Pope). What can you tell me about the R.C.C? Why might popes be upset? It was a constitutional monarchy, but only a few men could vote, and the kings men could veto what they wanted anyway. ->socialism, anarchism To combat this, Italy gets some reforms, and tries to “distract” with starting an empire in Ethiopia. Farmland exhausted as well. It does eventually industrialize, but slowly. Italy lacked industrial development, agriculture, and natural resources.