THE UNIFICATION OF ITALY

Garibaldi

WHAT IS NATIONALISM? Nationalism is a feeling of

belonging and loyalty that causes people to think of themselves as a nation.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, nationalism was a powerful force throughout Europe.

Nationalism was a force that connected all Italians.

BARRIERS TO ITALIAN NATIONALISM Geography: The River Po divided

north and south and the Apennines Mountains divide east and west.

Illiteracy – as most of the population could not read and write, nationalistic propaganda was difficult to spread.

The Pope - felt a united Italy would reduce his rights in the Papal States.

European powers such as France and Britain did not want a unified and strong Italy controlling the Mediterranean.

Europe in the 19th Century:

FACTORS THAT LED TO ITALIAN UNIFICATION

Geography• Italy is isolated• The Alps are to the North, surrounded by

oceans.• Geographic isolation allows Italy to develop

its own ways, customs. History

• Italians are very proud of their heritage, including the Italian Renaissance.

• Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states led to a desire not to be conquered again Italian unity.

Efforts of Three Men: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Cavour

GIUSEPPE MAZZINI,“PROPHET OF ITALIAN UNIFICATION” He was a member of

the Carbonari. The Carbonari were

a secret group which used violence to obtain what it wanted.

He formed Young Italy, made up of young people whose job it was to arouse enthusiasm for a united nation.

Tried revolution but it failed.

COUNT CAVOUR, “ARCHITECT OF ITALIAN UNIFICATION” Count Camillo di

Cavour was the “architect” (planner) of Piedmont-Sardinia’s revolt against Austria.

This revolt encouraged other Italian states to revolt.

GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI, “THE SWORD OF ITALIAN UNIFICATION”

Garibaldi first invaded Sicily, then urged them to join Piedmont-Sardinia under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel.

Garibaldi handed over all conquered lands to Victor Emmanuel.

KINGDOM OF SARDINIA 1852, Cavour became Prime Minister Worked toward rebuilding a thriving

economy so that Italy could unify (as a monarchy)

Cavour aligned Sardinia with FranceSardinia supported France in war with

Russia & gave them the provinces of Savoy & Nice

In turn, France supported Sardinia in its war against Austria - (successful liberation)

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING How did Cavour help Sardinia break free

from the Austrian Empire?

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GARIBALDI & THE RED SHIRTS Many Italians consider Cavour “brain” of

Italian unification, Mazzini “heart” Giuseppe Garibaldi has been called “sword”

of Italy Garibaldi joined Young Italy movement, 1833 Nationalist activities forced Garibaldi to flee

Italy twice Learned techniques of guerilla warfare while

living in South America Returned to Italy often to continue fight to free

Italy from Austrian domination

GARIBALDI’S RETURN 1854, Garibaldi returned for

good Cavour asked to lead part of

Sardinian army in war against Austria

After bitter fighting, Austrians agreed to give up Lombardy, retaining Venetia

THE RED SHIRTS• Followers known as Red Shirts because of

colorful uniforms• By July 1860, using guerilla warfare, Garibaldi,

Red Shirts gained control of island of Sicily• September, Garibaldi, Sardinian troops conquered

Naples• Red Shirts now controlled southern part Italian

peninsula

• Garibaldi wanted a republic, but ultimately offered the Kingdom of Two Sicilies to Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING What actions led Garibaldi to be called

the “sword” of Italian unification?

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UNIFICATION• 1861, territories held elections, all agreed to

unification• Holdouts were Venetia, still belonging to Austria;

Papal States, under French troops supporting pope

• 1866, Prussia defeated Austria, gave Venetia to Italy

• 1870, Prussia forced French to withdraw from Rome

• Italian troops entered Rome, completed unification under King Victor Emmanuel