How Was Italy Unified?
Overview
In 1815 Italy was, in the words of the Austrian chancellor Metternich, merely a geographical expression: a patchwork of separate states, with the rich north under Austrian control and the Pope ruling across the centre. Fifty years later it was a single kingdom under one king. How did that happen? The answer is a gripping mix of patient diplomacy, daring adventure and good fortune, carried by three very different men: the dreamer Mazzini, the cunning statesman Cavour and the soldier-hero Garibaldi.
In this lesson you will follow the road to unity from the failed risings of 1848 to 1849, through Cavour's clever alliance with France and the war of 1859, to Garibaldi's astonishing march with his Thousand red-shirts through Sicily and Naples. You will see how the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, and how Venetia and finally Rome were added to complete unification by 1870. Above all you will learn to judge how much each leader really contributed.
Objectives
- Why was Italy not unified in 1848-49?
- How important was Garibaldi’s contribution to unifying Italy?
- Did Cavour help or hinder the unification of Italy?
- How important for other European countries were moves towards Italian unification?
- Austrian influence over Italy
- Italian nationalism and the role of Mazzini
- Events of 1848-49
- Victor Emmanuel II and Cavour: the agreement of Plombières, war with Austria in 1859
- Garibaldi and the invasion of Sicily and Naples
- The creation of the Kingdom of Italy, completion of unification by 1870
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on How Was Italy Unified?. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Who founded the nationalist movement Young Italy in 1831? A. Cavour B. Garibaldi C. Mazzini D. Victor Emmanuel II Answer: C
- At the secret meeting of Plombieres in 1858, Cavour gained the promise of help from: A. Prussia B. Britain C. France D. Russia Answer: C
- Which territory did Piedmont gain from the war with Austria in 1859? A. Venetia B. Lombardy C. Rome D. Sicily Answer: B
- Garibaldi's expedition of the Thousand in 1860 conquered: A. Lombardy and Venetia B. The Papal States C. Sicily and Naples D. Tuscany and Parma Answer: C
- Rome finally became part of Italy in 1870 because: A. The Pope agreed to give it up B. France withdrew its protecting troops during the Franco-Prussian War C. Garibaldi captured it D. Austria handed it over Answer: B
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