ITALIAN AND GERMAN UNIFICATION 1852-1871
ITALIAN UNIFICATION PROCESS
Count Camillo Cavour Prime Minister of Sardinia Recognized that economic and military strength was the key to unification Helps England and France in the Crimean War against Russia in 1855
Alliance With Napoleon III In Exchange for Sardinia’s help, Napoleon III agrees to help Sardinia in the event of war with Austria Cavour goes to war with Austria and Lombardy and other provinces join Sardinia Northern Italy is now unified
Guiseppe Garibaldi Leader of the Red Shirts Worked to free Sicily from Bourbon control Liberates Sicily, marches into Southern mainland Unites with Cavour to unify most of Italy-1861
Unified Italy Victor Emmanuel made King of Italy in 1861 Unification has challenges- Northern Italy much wealthier and developed than the South Government is a right-wing Constitutional monarchy
GERMAN CONFEDERATION BEFORE UNIFICATION
Bismarck and German Unification “The great questions of the day….(will be) settled by blood and iron” “It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong” Bismarck will unite Germany under Prussian leadership
Schleswig and Holstein 2 provinces seized from Denmark in 1864 War is won with the help of Austria 1866- Bismarck uses these lands as an excuse to go to war with Austria
War With Austria 1866- Bismarck attacks Austria War lasts just 7 weeks- decisive Prussian victory Austrian-led German confederation ends- new German confederation is created Bismarck allows Austria to keep their independence to “avoid leaving behind any desire for revenge”
Franco-Prussian War Dispute over Spanish throne leads to conflict with France Bismarck manipulates the dispute into an excuse for war with France Another quick, decisive, German victory France forced to cede territory to Germany- they did seek revenge for this
Unified Germany Prussian King William I crowned as German Kaiser Germany embarks on program of industrial and military development An autocratic, undemocratic government is set up
Results of German Unification Balance of power shifts quickly in Europe Germany is now the major power on the continent They soon overtake Britain as an industrial power Kaiser William II succeeds his father, dumps Bismarck and begins imperialistic program- trouble for Europe….