Unification of Italy and Germany
Nationalism united scattered states. In Italy, Mazzini, Garibaldi and Cavour worked under King Victor Emmanuel; in Germany, Bismarck's Blood and Iron policy united states under Prussia by 1871.
Why nationalism grew
Nationalism is the feeling that people who share a language, history and culture should form one free nation. The American and French Revolutions spread this feeling across Europe. In the early 1800s, Italy and Germany were not single countries. Each was a patchwork of small states, with their own rulers, often under foreign control. Napoleon was defeated in 1815, and the Congress of Vienna then redrew Europe's map. Many Italians and Germans began to dream of one united, free country.
Unification of Italy
- BeforeItaly was a group of states such as Venetia, the Two Sicilies, the Papal States (ruled by the Pope), Sardinia and Tuscany. France and the Holy Roman Empire long fought to control it.
- 1796 to 1814During Napoleon's years, secret clubs spread the idea of a united Italy free from foreign rule.
- Mazzini and GaribaldiRevolutionaries such as Mazzini and Garibaldi, with secret societies, spread the idea of a free, united republic.
- From 1849The kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, under King Victor Emmanuel, took the lead. Unusually, a monarch headed the movement.
- CavourPrime Minister Cavour drove the Austrians out of Lombardy, and Tuscany, Modena and other states were brought in.
- Garibaldi's revoltGaribaldi led a revolt that freed Sicily and Naples. He handed them to Victor Emmanuel, who was declared King of Italy (1861).
- By 1871Venetia joined in 1866, after Austria lost a war to Prussia and Italy, and Rome in 1870. With Rome as its capital, Italy was united by 1871, the time of the Franco-Prussian War.
Unification of Germany
- After 1815Germany was a confederation of 39 small states, led by Austria and Prussia. Their quarrels held back Germany's economic progress.
- Bismarck chosenKing William I of Prussia chose Otto von Bismarck as Prime Minister, to unite Germany under Prussia and keep Austria and France out.
- Blood and IronBismarck modernised the army, even collecting taxes against Parliament's wishes. This was his 'Blood and Iron' policy, and it earned him the name 'Iron Chancellor'.
- 1864Bismarck joined Austria in a war on Denmark over Schleswig and Holstein.
- 1866Prussia defeated Austria and formed the North German Confederation. Bismarck made Italy his ally by promising it Venetia, so Italy also fought Austria and won Venetia. He kept France out by promising it land, and had already won Russia's support by helping it crush a revolt in Poland.Your NIOS lesson says Bismarck kept Italy out of this war; in fact Italy fought on Prussia's side and was given Venetia.
- 1870 to 1871Franco-Prussian War: Prussia defeated France. Napoleon III lost his throne, and France had to give up Alsace and Lorraine.
- 1871The southern German states joined, and Germany was united under Kaiser William I (Kaiser means emperor). Germany soon became the leading power in Europe.
Who did what
| Leader | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mazzini | Italy | Spread the idea of a united Italian republic through secret societies. |
| Cavour | Italy | Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia; drove Austria out of the north. |
| Garibaldi | Italy | Led the revolt that freed Sicily and Naples, then handed them to the king. |
| Victor Emmanuel | Italy | King of Piedmont-Sardinia; became King of Italy. |
| Bismarck | Germany | Prussian Prime Minister who united Germany by war and clever diplomacy. |
| William I | Germany | King of Prussia; became Kaiser of Germany in 1871. |
Italy and Germany: two roads to unity
Common ground: both grew from nationalism, both were led by a monarchy (Piedmont-Sardinia and Prussia), and both were complete by 1871.
In 1947 India had more than 500 princely states. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel brought them into the Indian Union, mostly through talks, and is remembered as the 'Iron Man of India'.
1 marks: “Who was known as the 'Iron Chancellor'?” Otto von Bismarck of Prussia.
2 marks: “What was Bismarck's 'Blood and Iron' policy?” Uniting Germany through a strong, modern army and wars (on Denmark, Austria and France) rather than through speeches and votes.
6 marks: “Compare the ways in which Italy and Germany were united, naming the leaders of each.” Italy: (1) Mazzini spread the idea through secret societies. (2) Piedmont-Sardinia under Victor Emmanuel led, and Cavour drove out Austria. (3) Garibaldi freed Sicily and Naples; Victor Emmanuel became King of Italy in 1861, Venetia joined in 1866 and Rome in 1870. Germany: (4) Bismarck's Blood and Iron army. (5) Wars on Denmark (1864), Austria (1866) and France (1870 to 1871). (6) Diplomacy kept rivals out; Kaiser William I ruled a united Germany from 1871.
Italy's team: Mazzini the Mind, Cavour the Brain, Garibaldi the Sword, all for the King. Germany: Bismarck's wars on Denmark, Austria, France ('DAF'), then 1871.