AP Euro: Italian Unification

Summary

This video explores the unification of Italy and Germany, emphasizing the shift from the failed 1848 revolutions to a more pragmatic approach known as realpolitik. In Italy, Count Cavour's strategic leadership led to the strengthening of Piedmont and the successful wars against Austria, while Giuseppe Garibaldi's conquests in the south were pivotal. By 1871, Italy achieved full unification, including Rome and Venice, marking a significant transformation in modern European history. The narrative highlights the complexities and key figures that shaped these unification processes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The unification of Germany and Italy followed the failed Romantic ideals of the 1848 revolutions, shifting towards a more practical approach called realism.
• 😀 Realpolitik emerged as a key strategy, emphasizing pragmatic means to achieve national unification objectives.
• 😀 Count Cavour played a crucial role in Italian unification, starting with strengthening Piedmont as a stable and appealing state.
• 😀 Cavour sought allies to counter Austrian influence, aligning with France during the Crimean War to gain support for Italian independence.
• 😀 Despite initial successes, Cavour faced challenges when Napoleon III withdrew support during the war with Austria, requiring a peace treaty.
• 😀 Giuseppe Garibaldi, motivated by Romantic ideals, successfully led the conquest of Sicily, contributing to the unification of southern Italy.
• 😀 Cavour strategically intervened to prevent Garibaldi from capturing Rome, prioritizing diplomatic relations with France.
• 😀 By 1861, Victor Emanuel II was declared king of a unified Italy, although Venice and Rome remained outside the new kingdom.
• 😀 Venice joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, and Rome was annexed in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War.
• 😀 The Pope opposed the Italian state for decades after the unification, influencing Catholic attitudes toward the new nation.

Q & A

What major political idea failed during the 1848 revolutions in Europe?

The idea of Romanticism, which suggested that people would join movements out of fervor and passion, failed during the 1848 revolutions.

What is Realpolitik and how is it relevant to the unification of Italy?

Realpolitik refers to a practical approach to politics focused on achieving objectives through concrete plans, which played a crucial role in the unification of Italy.

Who was the main architect of Italian unification?

Count Camillo di Cavour was the key figure in the unification of Italy, known for his strategic political maneuvers.

What were the three main steps in Cavour's plan for unifying Italy?

Cavour's plan involved strengthening Piedmont, gaining allies (notably with France), and conquering the southern regions of Italy.

How did Cavour strengthen Piedmont as a state?

Cavour improved infrastructure, built roads and canals, and enhanced the economy to make Piedmont more appealing for unification.

What role did the Crimean War play in Italy's unification?

Cavour joined the Crimean War to gain French support against Austria, which was crucial for the Italian unification efforts.

Who was Giuseppe Garibaldi and what was his contribution to unification?

Giuseppe Garibaldi led the 'Red Shirts' and successfully conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, playing a pivotal role in bringing the southern regions into unified Italy.

What happened when Garibaldi approached Rome?

Cavour intervened to prevent Garibaldi from capturing Rome, fearing French retaliation since Rome was a protectorate of France.

What territories remained ununified after the declaration of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861?

Venice and Rome were the two territories that remained outside the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.

When did Venice and Rome join the Kingdom of Italy, and what were the circumstances?

Venice joined in 1866 and Rome was captured in 1870 when French troops withdrew during the Franco-Prussian War, allowing Italian forces to invade.