Nationalism Germany and Italy I can explain the unification of Germany and Italy

GERMANY Early 1800s – no unified “Germany” German-speaking people lived in Prussia and other states (Bavaria, Saxony, etc…) Napoleon’s raids had spurred German nationalism and contempt for French Otto von Bismarck – “The Iron Chancellor” – highest official of the Prussian monarch. – Master of Realpolitik Realistic policies based on the needs of the state; power is more important than principles

Otto von Bismarck

Bismarck Began process of German unification – Built up Prussian army – Annexed smaller, weaker German states – “Started” the Franco-Prussian War. Why would he start a war? He knew other German states would unify against France (Germans hated France since Napoleon)

Franco-Prussian War 1870 Started over a disagreement about an heir to the Spanish throne. He “edited” a telegram sent to him by the Prussian king, William. Made it look like King Will insulted France. Made Napoleon III furious. He declares war. Prussia beats France in 6 weeks – How? Modern technology (telegraphs, railroads, breech-loading weapons)

Franco-Prussian War Humiliating for the French – Very quick defeat – Forced to pay Prussia to leave – Lose 2 border provinces: Alsace and Lorraine The huge Prussian victory led to the crowning of Will I as “Kaiser” William I (emperor) 1871 – “Germany” becomes a unified nation

ITALY Had not been a unified nation since the days of the Roman Empire People there spoke common language (Italian) but lived in several city-states ruled by Austria and other foreign powers. Reasons some wanted unification: – Made economic sense (remove tariffs) – Common language, history, culture

Nationalist Leaders Giuseppe Mazzini Count Camillo Cavour Victor Emmanuel II Giuseppe Garibaldi

Italy Mazzini-founded Young Italy in the 1830s – A secret society – Organized a revolution, but it failed. He was exiled. Important: planted seeds of nationalism Cavour-became Prime Minister of Sardinia King-Victor Emmanuel II Cavour was a crafty politician like Bismarck Secret alliance with France; provoked war with Austria. Won and annexed some Italian states.

Garibaldi and the Red Shirts Garibaldi –longtime nationalist – recruited 1,000 red-shirted volunteers. Invaded Sicily and conquered north to Naples Very patriotic, turned over his control to Victor Emmanuel. By 1870, all of Italy was unified.

CRITICAL CONNECTIONS What connections can you make between Bismarck and Cavour and an important Renaissance guidebook? In what ways can the nationalist movements of the 1800s be traced back to Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna? How does France’s humiliation in the Franco- Prussian war contribute to future conflict?