The Unification of Italy, 1815-1870, reasons for the delay of unification, course of unification of Italy, factors for the success of the unification

Questions to ponder

1. Examine the problems that hindered the Unification of Italy before 1850 or account for the delay of unification of Italy before 1850.

(Start with a brief introduction of unification of Italy and then identify and explain the factors the delay/ obstacles for unifications of Italy before 1850.

2. “External factors were primarily responsible for the delay of unification of Italy.” Discuss

(Analyse the responsibilities external factors in the delay of the unification of Italy visa a vis internal factor, A clear standpoint is required)

3. “Austria was primarily responsible for the delay in Italian unification and independence.” Discuss.

(Analyse the contribution of Austria to the delay of Unification of Italy and other factors, a clear standpoint is required)

4. Why were the attempts to bring about Italian Unification successful from 1850-1870?

(Give a brief background of Italian unification; identify and explain the contributions made by foreign powers to the unification of Italy; give generalized conclusion)

5. Examine the role of foreign powers in the unification of Italy?

(Give a brief background of Italian unification, identify and explain the factors that favored the unification of Italy between 1850-1870; give generalized conclusion)

6. Why did Cavour succeed in unification of Italy?

(Give a brief background of Camille Count de Cavour; identify and explain the reasons for his success; give generalized conclusion)

7. Assess the role of Camille Count de Cavour in Unification of Italy.

(Give a brief background of Camille Count de Cavour, identify and explain his role in unification of Italy; other personalities/factor; A standpoint is required)

8. Assess the role of Victor Emmanuel II in Unification of Italy between 1848 and 1870.

(Give a brief background of Victor Emmanuel II, identify and explain his role in unification of Italy; other personalities/factor; A standpoint is required)

 

Summary of the Unification of Italy, 1815-1870

The Unification of Italy (1815-1870), also known as the Risorgimento (meaning “Resurgence”), was a complex political and social movement that led to the consolidation of various states of the Italian Peninsula into the single state of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Here are some key points:

1. Background: After the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Italy was divided into multiple states under different rulers, including the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and the Papal States.
2. Key Figures: Prominent figures in the unification included Giuseppe Mazzini, who advocated for a unified Italy; Count Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of Sardinia who used diplomacy and strategic alliances; and Giuseppe Garibaldi, a revolutionary leader who led military campaigns.
3. Revolutions of 1848: The revolutions across Europe in 1848 inspired uprisings in various Italian states, pushing for independence and unification.
4. Wars of Unification: The Second Italian War of Independence (1859) and the Expedition of the Thousand (1860) were crucial military campaigns that led to the annexation of Lombardy, Venetia, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to the Kingdom of Sardinia.
5. Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy: On March 17, 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II as its first king.
6. Capture of Rome: The final act of unification was the capture of Rome in 1870, which became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

Obstacles/barriers to the unification of Italy before 1850

The unification of Italy faced several obstacles and barriers before 1850:

1. Political Fragmentation: Italy was divided into multiple states, each with its own government and ruler, making unification difficult.
2. Influence of the 1815 Vienna settlement which put Italian states under Austria and the 1818-1830 congress system that supported Austria in keeping the states.
3. Foreign Domination: Austria controlled Lombardy and Venetia, while the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies were independent entities. Foreign powers like Austria and France had significant influence in Italian affairs.
4. Lack of National Identity: Many Italians identified more with their local regions or city-states than with a unified Italian identity. Linguistic and cultural differences further hindered the sense of national unity.
5. Economic Disparities: The north was more industrialized, while the south remained largely agrarian, leading to different economic interests and priorities.
6. Use of strong Metternich spy network to suppress revolutionary struggles.
7. Lack of financial support to sustain the unification struggles.
8. Ideological Differences: Various groups had different visions for a unified Italy, including republicanism, monarchy, and papal rule, leading to internal conflicts.
9. Church Opposition: The Pope and the Catholic Church opposed unification, fearing the loss of their temporal power and territories.
10. Ineffective Revolutions: Early revolutionary movements, such as those led by the Carbanari and Young Italy, lacked coordination and widespread support, often being suppressed by foreign powers.
11. Lack of strong army. The secrete movement organizations lacked strong army to back up their revolutions.
12. Lack of common language. Lack of common language hindered their unity in their struggles
13. Weak leadership. The revolutionist lacked strong effective leadership. For instance, Giuseppe Mazzini the leader of the Young Italian Movement was coordinating from exile. The Carbanari Movement dominated by charcoal burner lacked clear political agenda.
14. Absence of external/foreign assistance. Initially European political powers lacked interest in the unification of Italy and could not provide assistance against Austria.
15. Illiteracy and ignorance of masses. A big proportion of Italians was illiterate and had no interest in the unification of Italy.
16. The Italian geographical terrain hindered easy movements and coordination of the various patriots from one place to another.

Contributions of the foreign factors to the delay of unification of Italy

Foreign factors played a significant role in delaying the unification of Italy before 1850:

1. Austrian Domination: Austria controlled Lombardy and Venetia, and its military presence in northern Italy was a major obstacle to unification. Austrian forces frequently suppressed uprisings and maintained a strong grip on these regions.
2. Papal States: The Papal States, ruled by the Pope, were another barrier to unification. The Pope opposed the unification movement, fearing the loss of his temporal power and territories.
3. French Influence: After the fall of Napoleon, France sought to maintain its influence in Italy, often supporting conservative regimes and opposing nationalist movements.
4. International Politics: The balance of power in Europe meant that other major powers, such as Britain and Prussia, were cautious about supporting Italian unification, as it could upset the existing political order.
5. Fragmented States: The Italian Peninsula was divided into multiple states, each with its own government and ruler, making coordinated efforts for unification challenging.
6. Absence of external/foreign assistance. Initially European political powers lacked interest in the unification of Italy and could not provide assistance against Austria.
7. The strong Metternich spy network suppressed revolutionary struggles.
8. Congress system. The congress system supported Austria in maintenance of control over Lombardy and Venetia suppressing the revolution of Naples and Piedmont. The Congress of Vienna also divided Italy into multiple states, each under different rulers, making it difficult for Italian nationalists to coordinate their efforts for unification
9. Influence of Russia. Russia was a key ally of Austria, which controlled Lombardy and Venetia, crucial regions for Italian unification. Russian support helped Austria maintain its grip on these territories.

Contributions of the Austria to the delay of unification of Italy

Contributions of the Austria to the delay of unification of Italy

Austria played a significant role in delaying the unification of Italy through several key contributions:

1. Control of Lombardy and Venetia: Austria controlled the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, which included crucial northern Italian territories. This control prevented Italian nationalists from unifying these regions with the rest of Italy.
2. Military Suppression: Austrian forces frequently suppressed uprisings and revolutionary movements in Lombardy and Venetia, such as the Five Days of Milan in 1848. These interventions hindered the progress of the unification movement.
3. Political Influence: Austria’s political influence in the region, supported by the Congress System, helped maintain the conservative order and prevent the rise of nationalist movements.
4. Alliances with Other Powers: Austria’s alliances with other European powers, particularly Russia, allowed it to maintain its control over Italian territories and resist unification efforts.

5. The strong Metternich spy network suppressed revolutionary struggles.

Reasons for successful unification Italian from 1850-1870

The successful unification of Italy from 1850-1870 can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Leadership of Count Camillo di Cavour: As the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Cavour played a crucial role in diplomatically isolating Austria and securing French support for the unification efforts.
2. Military Campaigns of Giuseppe Garibaldi: Garibaldi’s military campaigns, particularly the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, were instrumental in conquering the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and rallying popular support for unification.
3. Support from Victor Emmanuel II: The King of Sardinia, Victor Emmanuel II, provided strong leadership and eventually became the first King of a unified Italy in 1861.
4. Nationalist Movements: The rise of Italian nationalism, driven by figures like Giuseppe Mazzini, inspired and mobilized the Italian population to support the cause of unification.
5. Decline of the Papal States: The weakening of the Papal States and the eventual capture of Rome in 1870 removed one of the major obstacles to unification.
6. International Context: The changing political landscape in Europe, including the weakening of Austria and the support of other European powers, created favourable conditions for Italian unification.
7. Downfall of the congress system by 1830. This isolated Austria and could not get further support from fellow European powers to suppress revolutions in Italy.
8. The success of 1848 French revolution. The principles of liberty, fraternity, equality and nationalism inspired the Italians fight for its unification.
9. Downfall of Metternich system by 1848. This weakened the Austrian rule on Italy.
10. Military reform in Italy. Especially in Piedmont by carver made significant contribution to the unification of Italy by putting up strong resistance.
11. Secrete movements. The Carbanari movements and “Young Italian movements” contributed to unification of Italy through spreading revolutionary ideas, organizing uprisings and fostering unity.
12. Italian philosophers. Philosophers like Giuseppe Mazzini and Camillo di Cavour promoted the unification Italy through writing and spreading of unification ideologies, emphasizing liberty and unity.
13. Improve transport and communication networks. Promoted the coordination of the Unification activities.

 Role of philosophers in Unification of Italy

Italian philosophers played a significant role in the unification of Italy by inspiring and shaping the intellectual and ideological foundations of the Risorgimento. Here are some key figures and their contributions:

1. Giuseppe Mazzini: Mazzini was a central figure in the Italian unification movement. His writings and political activism promoted the idea of a unified Italy and inspired many to join the cause. He founded the Young Italy movement, which aimed to unite Italian youth in the pursuit of independence and unity.
2. Camillo di Cavour: Although primarily a statesman, Cavour was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the works of philosophers like Montesquieu and Rousseau. His pragmatic approach to politics and diplomacy was crucial in achieving unification.
3. Vincenzo Gioberti: Gioberti’s work, particularly his book “Del primato morale e civile degli Italiani” (On the Moral and Civil Primacy of the Italians), argued for the moral and cultural leadership of Italy in Europe. His ideas helped to foster a sense of national identity and unity.
4. Giovanni Battista Niccolini: Niccolini’s plays and writings, such as “Arnold of Brescia,” celebrated Italian history and heroes, contributing to the growing nationalist sentiment.
5. Pietro Giordano: Giordano’s philosophical writings emphasized the importance of liberty and national self-determination, influencing the intellectual climate of the time

Contributions of the foreign powers to the unification of Italy

Foreign powers played a significant role in the unification of Italy, both directly and indirectly. Here are some key contributions:

1. French Support: France, under Napoleon III, allied with the Kingdom of Sardinia during the Second Italian War of Independence (1859). French military support helped Sardinia defeat Austria and annex Lombardy.
2. British Diplomatic Influence: Britain, while not directly involved militarily, supported Italian unification through diplomatic channels. British public opinion was largely sympathetic to the Italian cause, which put pressure on other European powers to recognize Italian aspirations.
3. Austrian Defeat: Austria’s defeat in the wars of independence (1848 and 1859) was crucial. The loss of Lombardy and Venetia to Sardinia weakened Austrian control over northern Italy.
4. Prussian Victory: Prussia’s victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) indirectly benefited Italian unification by weakening Austria’s position in Europe and allowing Italy to annex Venetia.
5. International Recognition: The unification movement gained legitimacy and support from other European powers, which eventually led to the recognition of the Kingdom of Italy.
6. Promotion of democracy. For instance, Britain and France planned and supported the referendum through which the central duchies of Parma, Modena and Tuscany joined Piedmont in 1861.
7. Britain’s objection to Austrian and French intervention against Garibaldi in in 1860. This facilitated the liberation of Sicily and Naples.

 The role Camillo de Cavour in Unification of Italy

Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy. Here are some key contributions:

1. Diplomatic Skills: Cavour was a master diplomat who forged crucial alliances, most notably with France, to gain support against Austria. The Plombières Agreement with Napoleon III in 1858 was instrumental in securing French military aid.
2. Military Strategy: He led the Kingdom of Sardinia in the Second Italian War of Independence (1859), which resulted in the defeat of Austria and the annexation of Lombardy.
3. Political Reforms: Cavour implemented significant political and economic reforms in Sardinia, making it a model of modernization and progress that inspired other Italian states.
4. Strategic Alliances: He supported Giuseppe Garibaldi’s expedition to Sicily and Naples, which ultimately led to the unification of southern Italy under the Kingdom of Sardinia.
5. Negotiation of Treaties: Cavour negotiated the Treaty of Turin (1860) with France, which allowed Sardinia to cede Savoy and Nice in exchange for French support in the unification process.
6. Distribution of Unification ideologies through his revolutionary newspaper, the Risorgiment Newspaper.
7. He solicited funds from foreign powers such as Britain and France to support the unification activities.
8. Improve the economy of Piedmont through trade alliances with Britain and France.
9. He reconciled other revolutionists such as Mazzini, Garibaldi and King Victor Emmanuel II.
10. He provided leadership of the unification struggle.

The role King Victor Emmanuel II in Unification of Italy

King Victor Emmanuel II played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. Here are some key contributions:

1. Leadership and Vision: As the King of Sardinia, Victor Emmanuel II provided strong leadership and a clear vision for a unified Italy. His commitment to the cause inspired many Italians to support the unification movement.
2. Support for Cavour: Victor Emmanuel II worked closely with Count Camillo di Cavour, supporting his diplomatic and military strategies. This partnership was essential in achieving key victories, such as the annexation of Lombardy.
3. Military Campaigns: He supported Giuseppe Garibaldi’s military campaigns, including the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, which led to the conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
4. Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy: On March 17, 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the first King of a unified Italy, solidifying the unification process.
5. Capture of Rome: The final act of unification was the capture of Rome in 1870. Victor Emmanuel II moved his capital to Rome, making it the official capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

The course of unification of Italy up to 1871

The unification of Italy, also known as the Risorgimento, was a complex and multifaceted process that spanned from the early 19th century to 1871. Here’s a brief overview of the key events and phases:

Early Movements and Revolutions (1815-1848)

• Congress of Vienna (1815): Italy was divided into multiple states under different rulers, leading to political fragmentation.
• Carboneria: Secret societies like the Carboneria emerged, promoting nationalist and liberal ideas.
• Revolutions of 1820 and 1830: Early uprisings against foreign rule and for constitutional reforms, though largely unsuccessful.

Revolutions of 1848

• Five Days of Milan (1848): A significant uprising in Milan against Austrian rule, which was eventually suppressed.
• Roman Republic (1849): A short-lived republic declared in Rome, led by Giuseppe Mazzini, but crushed by French forces.

Cavour’s Diplomacy and Wars of Independence (1859-1861)

• Plombières Agreement (1858): Cavour secured French support for a war against Austria.
• Second Italian War of Independence (1859): Sardinia, with French aid, defeated Austria and annexed Lombardy.
• Expedition of the Thousand (1860): Giuseppe Garibaldi led a volunteer force that conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy (1861)

• Victor Emmanuel II: Proclaimed the first King of a unified Italy on March 17, 1861.

Final Steps (1866-1871)

• Third Italian War of Independence (1866): Italy allied with Prussia and defeated Austria, annexing Venetia.
• Capture of Rome (1870): Italian forces captured Rome, making it the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

 

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science.