The Unification of Italy and Germany Garibaldi Bismarck

What is Nationalism? § Nationalism is a feeling of belonging and loyalty that causes people to think of themselves as a nation. § During the 19 th and 20 th centuries, nationalism was a powerful force that could: § Create one nation from many separate countries (ex. Italy and Germany) § Break one nation up into many countries (ex. Austria-Hungary, and Turkey)

Nationalism § Nationalism can be a cause of war (ex. WWI and WWII) § It has encouraged colonies to seek independence from their colonizers. (ex. India, Indonesia, and countries in Africa) § Nationalism can take many different forms but certain factors need to be present for it to grow.

The Italian States Unite, 1859 -1870

Barriers to Italian Nationalism § § § Italy was divided into several states. Italy did not threaten the balance of power in Europe. After the Congress of Vienna, Italy was made up of nine different states: § Piedmont-Sardinia (the largest state) § Venetia and Lombardy belonged to Austria § the Pope ruled the Papal States in central Italy § the other states were ruled by foreign princes under Austrian control

Barriers to Italian Nationalism § § § Geography - mountains split Italy West and East; the Po river, North and South Illiteracy – as most of the population could not read and write, nationalistic propaganda was difficult to spread The Pope - felt a united Italy would lessen his rights in the papal states Lack of consensus - Italian states disagreed on a leader and type of government Lack of European support - European nations felt a strong Italy would interfere with their plans

Factors That Led to Italian Unification § Geography • Italy is isolated • The Alps are to the North, surrounded by oceans. • Geographic isolation allows Italy to develop its own ways, customs. § History • Italians are very proud of their heritage, including the Italian Renaissance. • Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states led to a desire not to be conquered again Italian unity. § Efforts of Three Men: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Cavour

Giuseppe Mazzini, “Prophet of Italian Unification” § He was a member of the Carbonari. § The Carbonari were a secret group which used violence to obtain what it wanted. § He formed Young Italy, made up of young people whose job it was to arouse enthusiasm for a united nation. § Tried revolution but it failed.

Mazzini- On Nationalism • Read the primary source excerpt • Answer the accompanying questions at the bottom of the handout

Count Cavour, “Architect of Italian Unification” § Count Camillo di Cavour was the “architect” (planner) of Piedmont. Sardinia’s revolt against Austria. § This revolt encouraged other Italian states to revolt.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, “The Sword of Italian Unification” § Garibaldi first invaded Sicily, then urged them to join Piedmont-Sardinia under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel. § Garibaldi handed over all conquered lands to Victor Emmanuel.

How Italy was United § The Addition of the Papal States: § Victor Emmanuel conquers the Papal States; stops § Garibaldi’s advance. § Unification nears completion. § 1860: elections were held in all of Italy, except Venetia and Rome. § 1861: in the city of Turin, representatives of a united nation formed a parliament and proclaimed the establishment of Italy under Victor Emmanuel II.

Victor Emmanuel II

Problems Faced by a United Italy § Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy is a constitutional monarch. § Right to vote is limited to upper and middle class property holders. § Many Catholics refuse to participate in new nation (as did the Pope). § Bribery and corruption were frequent in poor, uneducated lower classes. § Some Italian speaking areas were not united with the central government. § Some felt Italy should become a world power and fight for colonies. § Italy lacked industrial development, agriculture, and natural resources. § Prices were high, people could not afford manufactured goods.

A German Nation is Forged

Background to German Unification § Prior to the French Revolution, there were more than 300 German states. § Prussia and Austria were the largest. § The Congress of Vienna reduced the number of German states to 39. § The smaller number of German states encouraged feelings of nationalism and patriotism among these German states.

Barriers to German Unification § § § France preferred 39 weak states to one nation. Austria knew Prussia was most powerful state. Rulers of smaller states feared loss of power in a united Germany. Protestant/Catholic hostility (from Thirty Years’ War). Economic differences between western industrial states and agricultural eastern states.

Factors Encouraging German Unification § Napoleon encouraged German unification with the Confederation of the Rhine under the Napoleonic Code. § Intellectuals supported a German Nation: § Heinrich von Treitschke envisioned a German Fatherland § Goethe and Schiller saw a common nationality for all Germans § Congress of Vienna created a German Confederation which was made up of 39 states. § Zollverein created to increase trade, reduce problems of many state governments; taxes, coinage and postal system.

How Bismarck United Germany Otto von Bismarck

How Bismarck United Germany § Prussia led German unification. § Otto von Bismarck led Prussia § Conservative chosen as Prime Minister § stood for absolutism, Divine Right Monarchy and the Protestant Lutheran church § did not trust people or democracy § Master of Realpolitick § Politics of reality § Tough power politics § No idealism § William I, King of Prussia appointed Bismarck chief minister in the Prussian Parliament , 1848

Bismarck’s Policy of “Blood and Iron” “Not by speeches and resolutions of majorities are the great questions of the time decided upon – but by blood and iron”.

German Unification • Could not persuade parliament • Declared he would rule without the consent of parliament and without a legal budget • Aligned with Austria to attack Denmark for Schleswig and Holstein • Quick victory increases Prussian nationalism

German Unification • Prussia controls Schleswig and Austria Holstein • Hoping this will lead to turmoil he can use Border conflicts with Austria between Schleswig and Holstein • Austria declares war on Prussia in 1866 • Seven Weeks’ war • Prussia Annexes more territory • Eastern and Western Prussia united for first time

France: Bismarck’s Strategy § Spanish throne is offered to a relative of the King of Prussia after leaders of the Spanish revolution removed their leader. § Louis Napoleon (Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew), Emperor of France convinces German prince to refuse crown then sends an envoy to convince William I of Prussia not to accept the crown. § From the City of Ems, William I sends a telegram to Bismarck about the request, this is called the Ems Dispatch. § Bismarck, seizing his opportunity, rewords the telegram and publishes it in the newspapers.

Bismarck’s Plan Pays Off § Prussians become upset about unfair demands to their king; French are insulted by Prussia. § France declares war though unprepared – Prussia thus acquires: – French provinces of Alsace & Lorraine – money to cover the cost of war § The Franco-Prussian War completes the unification of Germany. § South German states unite with north to fight France § 1871: German Empire is formed, William I of Prussia as Emperor.

Kaiser Wilhelm I

Problems Faced by a United Germany § Germany was far from democratic: – The Government of the German Empire was a federal union of states with the King of Prussia as ruler and a two house legislature with: – A powerful 61 member appointed upper house – A 400 member lower house chosen by universal male suffrage (all men could vote) – Strong king who made government appointments, strong upper house had power – strong army, soldiers prominent in society

Bismarck’s Policies § Made socialism illegal § Improved working conditions § Persecuted national and religious minorities, especially Catholics § In foreign affairs, tried to isolate France by making friendships with Austria and Russia § Use of Realpolitik § Realpolitik was Bismarck’s foreign policy decisions are not based on ideological or moral considerations; decisions should be based on self-interest.

Comparing Revolutions, Revolts, and Unifications • What is one factor that has been present in all of the conflicts we have studied so far? Why do you think this factor repeatedly shows up?