Unifications in Europe: Italy and Germany

Chapter Title

Systematization

In this chapter, you will learn about the processes of unification of Italy and Germany, including key events, historical figures, and the political and social consequences of these unifications. You will understand how these processes shaped the political configuration of modern Europe and how the knowledge of these events can be applied in various professional fields.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to: Characterize the Italian and German unifications. Understand the organization of the nation-states resulting from the unifications. Develop analytical and critical skills when studying historical events. Work as a team and solve problems collaboratively.

Introduction

During the 19th century, Europe underwent profound political and social transformations. The unification of Italy and Germany was a process that marked the continent, resulting in the formation of new nation-states. Understanding these events is essential to grasp the political configuration of modern Europe and the conflicts that arose as a result of these unifications. The practical importance of this knowledge goes beyond the classroom, as it allows for the analysis and interpretation of complex historical contexts, applying this understanding in real situations, such as in a diplomatic career or in international relations.

The unification of Italy was driven by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi, a popular hero who led crucial military expeditions for the unification of the country. These events not only consolidated a new nation-state but also helped shape the Italian national identity. On the other hand, the German unification was led by Otto von Bismarck, who used a combination of diplomacy and military power to unify the various German states under Prussian leadership. These unification processes not only altered the political configuration of Europe but also had significant socioeconomic impacts.

In the context of the job market, knowledge about the European unifications is valuable in various careers. Professionals in fields such as journalism, political consulting, and history need to understand these processes to analyze and predict current political situations. Furthermore, the ability to study complex historical events and apply them in modern contexts is a critical competency in many professions. This chapter will prepare you to face these challenges, providing a solid foundation of historical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in various professional situations.

Exploring the Theme

The unification of Italy and Germany was a complex historical process that occurred during the 19th century. These events marked the formation of new nation-states in Europe, profoundly altering the political landscape of the continent. The unification of Italy was a gradual process, driven by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Camillo di Cavour, who utilized both diplomacy and military actions to achieve their goals. The German unification, on the other hand, was led by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Prussia, who employed a combination of strategic wars and political alliances to unify the various German states under Prussian leadership.

The Italian unification began with the Risorgimento movement, which sought the liberation and unification of the various Italian states. Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the most charismatic leaders of the movement, led military expeditions, such as the Expedition of the Thousand, which were crucial for the unification of southern Italy. Camillo di Cavour, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, used diplomacy to gain the support of foreign powers, such as France, and expand the territory under his control.

In Germany, unification was mainly achieved through the actions of Otto von Bismarck. He adopted a policy of 'blood and iron', using war as a tool to achieve unification. The wars against Denmark, Austria, and France were crucial stages in this process, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 at the Palace of Versailles. Bismarck was also skilled at forming alliances and manipulating European politics to isolate his adversaries and strengthen Prussia's position.

These unification processes had profound impacts on the political configuration of Europe. The formation of strong nation-states altered the balance of power on the continent, contributing to the emergence of new alliances and rivalries that would eventually lead to World War I. Additionally, the Italian and German unifications influenced the development of national identities and the consolidation of modern political and administrative systems.

Theoretical Foundations

The theoretical foundations of the Italian and German unifications are centered on the concepts of nationalism, realpolitik, and diplomacy. Nationalism was a driving force behind the unification movements, with the idea that people who share a common language, culture, and history should have their own sovereign state. In Italy, the Risorgimento was the movement that embodied this nationalist sentiment, while in Germany, the concept of 'Kleindeutschland' (Little Germany) advocated for the unification of the German states under Prussian leadership, excluding Austria.

Realpolitik, a pragmatic and practical approach to politics, was exemplified by leaders like Bismarck, who prioritized state interests over ideals or principles. Bismarck used realpolitik to form strategic alliances and manipulate political events to favor German unification. In Italy, Cavour also adopted a pragmatic approach, negotiating with foreign powers to achieve his unification goals.

Diplomacy played a crucial role in the unification processes. In the Italian case, Cavour secured France's support in the war against Austria, while Bismarck formed alliances with other German states and isolated Austria and France to facilitate the German unification. These diplomatic movements were essential for the success of the unification processes, showing how foreign and domestic politics were interconnected.

Definitions and Concepts

Nationalism: Ideology that advocates that each nation should have its own sovereign state, based on a common identity of language, culture, and history.

Realpolitik: Pragmatic approach to politics, focused on achieving concrete objectives and state interests, often at the expense of principles or ideals.

Diplomacy: Practice of conducting negotiations and relationships between states, aiming to resolve conflicts and achieve political goals through peaceful means.

Risorgimento: Movement for Italian unification that sought the liberation and unification of the various Italian states.

Kleindeutschland: Concept of 'Little Germany', advocating for the unification of the German states under Prussian leadership, excluding Austria.

Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Prussia who led the German unification process through a combination of strategic wars and political alliances.

Giuseppe Garibaldi: Military leader and popular hero of the Risorgimento, known for his military expeditions that contributed to the unification of Italy.

Camillo di Cavour: Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, who used diplomacy to gain the support of foreign powers and expand the territory under his control.

Practical Applications

The theoretical concepts of the Italian and German unifications have several practical applications in modern society. For example, understanding these historical processes is fundamental for professionals in international relations and diplomacy, who need to analyze and interpret complex political events. The ability to negotiate and form alliances, demonstrated by leaders such as Cavour and Bismarck, is a valuable competency in many professional fields.

In journalism, knowledge about the European unifications allows journalists to contextualize and explain current events, such as nationalist movements and political conflicts, drawing parallels with the past. Political consultants can also use this understanding to advise governments and organizations on diplomatic and political strategies.

Specific cases of application include analyzing the formation of the European Union, which can be seen as a continuation of the unification and integration processes that began in the 19th century. The ability to study complex historical events and apply this knowledge in modern contexts is crucial for professionals in various fields.

Useful tools in this context include historical analysis methods, political simulation models, and geopolitical mapping software, which help visualize and understand political and territorial changes over time.

Assessment Exercises

Describe the role of Giuseppe Garibaldi in the Italian unification.

Explain how Otto von Bismarck contributed to the unification of Germany.

Compare and contrast the processes of unification of Italy and Germany.

Conclusion

In this chapter, you explored the processes of unification of Italy and Germany in the 19th century, understanding their complexities and lasting impacts on the political configuration of modern Europe. You learned about key figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Otto von Bismarck, as well as the events and strategies that culminated in the formation of the Italian and German nation-states.

For the next lecture, it is important to review the concepts of nationalism, realpolitik, and diplomacy, as they will be fundamental for a deeper understanding of the subject. Prepare to discuss how these historical processes influenced the formation of the European Union and the current political configuration of the continent. Additionally, reflect on the practical skills developed, such as critical analysis and teamwork, and think about how to apply them in different professional contexts.

Going Beyond- How did the concept of nationalism influence the processes of unification in Italy and Germany?

• Explain the significance of realpolitik in the German unification led by Otto von Bismarck.

• What were the main diplomatic strategies used by Cavour and Bismarck to achieve the unification of their respective countries?

• How did the Italian and German unification processes alter the balance of power in Europe in the 19th century?

• In what ways can the historical events of European unifications be compared to unification or division movements in other parts of the world today?

Summary- Historical context of Europe in the 19th century and the political and social transformations.

• Key leaders of the unifications: Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy and Otto von Bismarck in Germany.

• Key events and strategies used for the unification of the Italian and German states.

• Political and social impacts of the unifications on the configuration of modern Europe.

• Practical applications of knowledge about European unifications in various professional areas.