I problemi dell'Italia unita

Summary

The video discusses the challenges faced by the newly unified Kingdom of Italy after 1861. It explores the political, economic, and social issues that arose, including the lack of popular involvement in the unification process, tensions with the Church, and regional disparities between the north and south. The centralization of power, tax increases, and military conscription led to unrest, especially in southern Italy, where brigandage and poverty persisted. Despite efforts to modernize, these issues highlighted the divide between the legal state and the real, everyday Italy, with lasting consequences for the nation's development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kingdom of Italy was officially created in 1861, though some territories, including Veneto, Trentino, Friuli, Trieste, Istria, and Lazio, were still missing.
• 😀 Italy's unification was the result of the efforts of a small circle of people, particularly Cavour and Garibaldi, and not a popular movement.
• 😀 The unification was more of an expansion of the Kingdom of Sardinia rather than a creation of a completely new state, leading to many internal challenges.
• 😀 The Statuto Albertino, the constitution of the Kingdom of Sardinia, was extended to the entire Kingdom of Italy, reinforcing centralization.
• 😀 Tensions arose with the Church, particularly because Pope Pius IX opposed the idea of Rome becoming the capital of Italy.
• 😀 There was a noticeable divide between the legal state (the monarchy) and the real state (the people), particularly because only 2% of the population could vote.
• 😀 Italy's economy was predominantly agricultural, with a large divide between the industrialized North and the less-developed South, which was reliant on large estates (latifondi).
• 😀 The country lacked sufficient infrastructure, with poor transportation networks, especially in the South, contributing to slow development.
• 😀 Illiteracy was widespread, particularly in the South, and the government promoted the diffusion of the official language to foster national unity.
• 😀 The Right-wing government (1861-1876) favored a strong centralized government, modernized the country, expanded infrastructure, and introduced taxes such as the 'macinato' (flour tax), which led to discontent, especially in the South, fueling brigandage and social unrest.

Q & A

What were the main territorial gaps in Italy after its unification in 1861?

After the unification in 1861, Italy was still missing some territories, such as Veneto, Trentino, Friuli, Trieste, Istria, and Lazio.

Who were the key figures involved in the unification of Italy, and what role did they play?

Key figures in the unification of Italy included Cavour, who was a statesman, and Garibaldi, a military leader. Cavour worked diplomatically to unify the northern and southern parts of Italy, while Garibaldi led military campaigns to unite the south with the north.

How was Italy unified, and why was it considered more of an elite-driven process than a popular movement?

Italy was unified through the efforts of a small elite group, particularly the bourgeoisie, rather than a mass movement of the people. The unification was largely driven by political and military initiatives, rather than through widespread popular support or participation.

What was the centralization issue in the early Kingdom of Italy, and how did it impact local governance?

The centralization issue involved the consolidation of power in Turin, which resulted in local officials being appointed by the central government. This often led to conflicts with local populations, who felt alienated due to differences in language, culture, and mentality.

What was the 'Roman Question,' and why was it a major point of tension in Italian politics?

The 'Roman Question' referred to the dispute over whether Rome should be the capital of Italy. The Catholic Church, under Pope Pius IX, strongly opposed this idea, which led to political and religious tensions between the Church and the new Italian government.

What was the difference between the northern and southern parts of Italy in terms of economic development?

The northern part of Italy was more industrialized, with regions like Lombardy and Piedmont developing textile and steel industries. In contrast, the southern part remained primarily agrarian, with widespread poverty and the dominance of the latifundia system (large estates).

Why did the new Kingdom of Italy face challenges with infrastructure and communication?

Italy lacked an adequate infrastructure, particularly in the south, where roads and railways were sparse. The country's communication system was underdeveloped, hindering national cohesion and economic development.

What role did illiteracy play in the challenges of unifying Italy?

Illiteracy was widespread, especially in the south, where many people spoke regional dialects instead of the official Italian language. This hindered national integration, as a common language was essential for unifying the diverse regions of the country.

What were the political divisions in Italy's early parliamentary system?

The political divisions were between the right, composed of nobles and wealthy bourgeoisie who supported the monarchy, and the left, made up of the middle class and more republican-leaning factions. The right held power from 1861 to 1876 and favored centralization.

How did the government's policies, such as increased taxes, contribute to discontent in the south?

The government's decision to raise taxes, particularly on everyday goods like grain, led to higher costs for essential items such as bread. This caused widespread discontent, especially in the south, where poverty was more severe and living conditions were harsh.

What was the brigandage phenomenon, and what were its causes?

Brigandage was a form of rebellion and armed resistance that occurred, especially in the south, due to opposition to conscription and the hardships of rural life. Many people, particularly from the nobility and peasant classes, resisted the central government, which they viewed as oppressive.

What was the government's response to brigandage, and what were the long-term effects?

The Italian government responded with harsh repression, leading to the eventual elimination of brigandage by 1865. However, the underlying issues, such as poverty, continued to affect the south, contributing to ongoing social unrest and emigration.