Topic 1 of 8 · Form 3
Nationalism and unification in nineteenth-century Europe
Historians debate the relative importance of individuals (Cavour, Garibaldi, Bismarck), nationalism, economic factors and foreign help.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Italian unification
- Obstacles after 1815: Austrian control, divided states, the Papal States, local loyalties.
- The failure of the 1848 revolutions.
- Cavour (Piedmont): modernisation, the alliance with France (Plombières, 1858), war with Austria (1859).
- Garibaldi and the Thousand (1860) conquering Sicily and Naples; handing them to Victor Emmanuel II.
- Kingdom of Italy proclaimed in 1861; Venetia (1866) and Rome (1870) added.
German unification
- Economic factors: the Zollverein customs union led by Prussia.
- Bismarck's policies ("blood and iron"); wars with Denmark (1864), Austria (1866 – Seven Weeks' War) and France (1870–71).
- The German Empire proclaimed at Versailles in January 1871.
Interpretation
Historians debate the relative importance of individuals (Cavour, Garibaldi, Bismarck), nationalism, economic factors and foreign help.
Exam tip: For "how important was…" questions, weigh the named factor against at least two others before judging.
Check yourself
- What was the Zollverein?
- Name the three wars fought by Prussia during German unification.
- In what year was the Kingdom of Italy proclaimed?
Show answers
- A customs union of German states led by Prussia, removing internal tariffs.
- Against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866) and France (1870–71).
- 1861.
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