Why unification of Italy & Germany is important?
The unification of Italy & Germany in 19th century marked transformation in European history reshaping continent political landscape. Both movements were driven by nationalist aspirations, strong leadership & strategic wars. While Italy unification was spearheaded by leaders like Giuseppe Mazzini, Count Cavour & Giuseppe Garibaldi Germany unification was largely orchestrated by Otto von Bismarck through his policy of Blood & Iron.
Understanding these unifications is crucial for UPSC aspirants as they provide insights into nationalism, state-building & role of diplomacy & war in shaping modern nations.
APTI PLUS best IAS coaching in Bhubaneswar provides a detailed analysis of two movements that is crucial for understanding rise of nationalism in Europe & is an important topic in World History for UPSC Mains examination.
Unification of Italy
Risorgimento (Italian for “resurgence”) was one of important outcomes of 19th century nationalism in Europe. Prior to unification Italy was fragmented region made up of various independent states including Papal States, Kingdom of Two Sicilies, Kingdom of Sardinia, Kingdom of Naples all of which were often under foreign influence primarily from Austria. The movement for Italian unification was driven by desire for political cohesion, national identity & freedom from foreign domination.
Key Phases of Unification of Italy:
- Early Rebellions & Nationalism (1820s-1830s): The movement for unification was initially driven by intellectuals, revolutionaries, patriots who advocated for independence & unity of Italy. Giuseppe Mazzini key figure in early stages of movement founded Young Italy movement in 1831 which promoted idea of united Italy through republican form of government. However early rebellions against foreign powers especially Austrian Empire were unsuccessful.
- Revolutions of 1848 & Early Failures: Revolutions of 1848 which spread across Europe reached Italy as well. In Kingdom of Sardinia King Charles Albert of Sardinia Piedmont led an army in war against Austria hoping to unify northern Italy. However uprising ultimately failed.
- Cavour & Sardinian State: Count Camillo di Cavour Prime Minister of Kingdom of Sardinia was instrumental in advancing cause of Italian unification. Through diplomatic efforts Cavour sought alliances with other European powers notably France. In 1858 he formed an alliance with French Emperor Napoleon III which led to Second Italian War of Independence (1859). As a result of war Kingdom of Sardinia expanded by acquiring Lombardy & many smaller Italian states began to rally under Sardinian leadership.
- Garibaldi’s Campaign & Southern Italy Revolt: While Cavour focused on diplomacy & political strategy Giuseppe Garibaldi passionate nationalist & military leader played role in southern part of Italy. Garibaldi led famous Expedition of Thousand in 1860, which resulted in overthrow of Kingdom of Two Sicilies. Garibaldi’s forces captured Sicily & Naples & he subsequently handed over territories to King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia who was crowned King of Italy in 1861.
- The Final Stages: Over next decade unification process continued. In 1866 Italy allied with Prussia in Austro Prussian War which led to acquisition of Venice. The final piece of unification puzzle was Rome which remained under papal control. In 1870 after Franco Prussian War France withdrew its troops from Rome allowing Italy to seize city & complete unification.
Key Figures:
- Victor Emmanuel II:King of Sardinia & later first king of a unified Italy.
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Unification of Germany
This was another crucial development in 19th century Europe culminating in proclamation of German Empire in 1871. Before unification Germany was patchwork of numerous independent states with most powerful being Kingdom of Prussia & Austrian Empire along with other smaller states. The movement for a unified Germany was driven by economic, military, nationalist sentiments.
Key Phases of Unification of Germany:
- The Zollverein (1834): process of German unification began with establishment of Zollverein(German Customs Union) in 1834. It was coalition of 25 German states that agreed to eliminate trade barriers & adopt a common tariff policy. This economic integration laid groundwork for political unification of Germany by fostering closer ties among various German states & stimulating sense of shared economic & national interests.
- Revolutions of 1848: Like Italy Germany experienced wave of revolutionary movements in 1848 driven by demands for liberal reforms, national unity, constitutional government. Frankfurt Assembly was convened with goal of drafting constitution for unified Germany. However Assembly failed due to lack of support from key German rulers particularly King of Prussia & unification movement was temporarily stalled.
- Role of Prussia & Otto von Bismarck: Otto von Bismarck Prime Minister of Prussia Bismarck was a master of diplomacy & statecraft & believed in power of “blood & iron” (military strength) over liberal ideals to achieve German unification. He skillfully manipulated political events to achieve his goal.
- Danish War (1864): Bismarck used conflict with Denmark to annex duchies of Schleswig & Holstein which were of interest to both Prussia & Austria.
- Austro Prussian War (1866): Bismarck engineered war between Prussia & Austria. Prussia victory led to dissolution of German Confederation & creation of North German Confederation which excluded Austria & included most northern German states under Prussian leadership.
- Franco Prussian War (1870-1871): Bismarck used diplomatic crisis with France to provoke war which united northern & southern German states against common enemy. The successful war effort against France led to proclamation of German Empire on January 18 1871 in Hall of Mirrors at Palace of Versailles with King Wilhelm I of Prussia crowned as Emperor of Germany.
Key Figures:
- King Wilhelm I:King of Prussia who became first Emperor of unified German Empire.
Conclusion
The unifications of Italy & Germany were landmark events that demonstrated power of nationalism & strategic statecraft. While Italy process was fragmented & marked by internal struggles Germany was more centralized under Prussian dominance. These events not only influenced European politics but also set stage for future conflicts including World War I.
For UPSC aspirants studying these unifications offers valuable lessons in diplomacy, warfare & impact of nationalism on global history. For more such articles on important topics for UPSC, please visit Resources at APTI PLUS
Practice Questions
UPSC Prelims
- Which of following events played a crucial role in unification of Germany?
a) Treaty of Westphalia
b) Congress of Vienna
c) Austro-Prussian War (1866)
d) Crimean War
Answer: c) Austro-Prussian War (1866)
- Who among following was NOT directly associated with unification of Italy?
a) Giuseppe Garibaldi
b) Giuseppe Mazzini
c) Camillo di Cavour
d) Otto von Bismarck
Answer: d) Otto von Bismarck
- The term ‘Blood & Iron’ is associated with:
a) Napoleon Bonaparte
b) Otto von Bismarck
c) Giuseppe Garibaldi
d) Karl Marx
Answer: b) Otto von Bismarck
- Which treaty officially marked completion of unification of Italy?
a) Treaty of Frankfurt
b) Treaty of Vienna
c) Treaty of Berlin
d) Treaty of Rome
Answer: d) Treaty of Rome
- Consider following statements regarding unification of Germany:
- The Zollverein, a customs union, played a significant role in economic unification.
- The Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) was final step in Germany’s unification.
- Austria was included in newly unified Germany.
Which of statements are correct?
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) 1, 2, & 3
Answer: a) 1 & 2 only
UPSC Mains
- Compare & contrast unification processes of Italy & Germany focusing on role of leadership, war & diplomacy.
- Examine role of economic factors such as Zollverein in unification of Germany. How did it differ from economic conditions in Italy during unification?
- The unifications of Italy & Germany were driven by nationalism but their approaches & consequences differed. Critically analyze impact of these unifications on 19th & 20th-century Europe.
- To what extent did external events (such as Crimean War & Franco-Prussian War) shape course of Italian & German unification? Discuss with relevant examples.
- Many historians argue that Bismarck engineered unification of Germany while Italy unification was more organic & people-driven. Do you agree with this assessment? Justify your answer with historical evidence.
