Italian and German Unification: Crash Course European History #27

Summary

In this Crash Course European History episode, John Green explores the unification of Italy and Germany in the 19th century. He covers key figures like Napoleon III, Camillo di Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Otto von Bismarck, who used wars, realpolitik, and strategic alliances to shape modern European nations. The video explains how Italy and Germany were forged through both idealistic and pragmatic methods, highlighting the role of nationalism, military power, and even negative integration in nation-building. Green offers insight into the complexities of creating unified states and the lasting impact of these processes on Europe.

Takeaways

• 😀 Napoleon III sought to modernize France with economic reforms, but his primary focus was war, including involvement in the Crimean War.
• 😀 Italy and Germany were not unified as sovereign states during the early 19th century, and national identities were a new concept for many Europeans.
• 😀 In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was declared after figures like Cavour and Garibaldi led efforts to unify the country, despite differing political ideologies.
• 😀 Realpolitik, the political approach of pragmatism over ideals, became dominant in the 19th century, as seen in Bismarck's approach to German unification.
• 😀 Otto von Bismarck played a pivotal role in uniting Germany, using strategic alliances, wars, and media manipulation to achieve his goals.
• 😀 Bismarck’s political career began with debt and drunkenness, but he rose to prominence through his loyalty to the Prussian king and mastery of diplomacy.
• 😀 Bismarck’s success in unifying Germany was not pre-planned but based on his improvisational political skills, particularly in dealing with Austria.
• 😀 The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 resulted in Prussia's victory, contributing to its dominance in the German states and eventual unification under the Prussian king.
• 😀 Negative integration, where countries unite by defining themselves in opposition to others or creating scapegoats, played a role in Bismarck’s strategies.
• 😀 Bismarck introduced the first social welfare programs in the West, offering accident, sickness, and unemployment benefits to workers during an economic downturn in the 1870s.
• 😀 The process of nation-building was complex, with countries either fostering unity through shared culture or constructing identities based on what they opposed.

Q & A

Why were Italy and Germany not unified before the 19th century?

Before the 19th century, Italy and Germany were not unified because people identified more with their regional or local identities, such as Genoese or Sicilian in Italy, rather than with a unified nation-state.

What role did Napoleon III play in the unification of Italy?

Napoleon III supported Camillo di Cavour, the prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, in defeating Austria, which controlled northern Italy. Napoleon hoped to establish a French influence in Italy, but the Italians eventually united under their own identity, thwarting Napoleon's plans.

Who was Giuseppe Garibaldi, and how did he contribute to Italian unification?

Giuseppe Garibaldi was a revolutionary leader who gathered volunteers, known as the Red Shirts, and captured southern Italy in 1860. He then joined forces with Piedmont to complete the unification of Italy in 1861.

What is *realpolitik*, and how did it influence 19th-century European politics?

*Realpolitik* is a pragmatic approach to politics that emphasizes power and practical considerations over ideals or romantic nationalism. It influenced European politics by shifting the focus from idealistic nation-building to achieving political goals through diplomacy, military action, and manipulation, as seen in the actions of figures like Bismarck.

How did Otto von Bismarck contribute to the unification of Germany?

Otto von Bismarck played a pivotal role in the unification of Germany by using *realpolitik*. He manipulated alliances, staged wars, and skillfully used media to isolate Austria and France, leading to the creation of the German Empire in 1871.

What was the significance of the Franco-Prussian War in the German unification process?

The Franco-Prussian War was crucial in the unification of Germany. Bismarck used media manipulation to provoke France into declaring war. The Prussian victory led to the unification of the German states, as they rallied around Prussia, culminating in the declaration of the German Empire in 1871.

What is 'negative integration,' and how did Bismarck use it to unify Germany?

'Negative integration' refers to uniting a nation by identifying and targeting enemies or outgroups. Bismarck used this strategy by antagonizing Catholics through the Kulturkampf and socialists through repressive policies, to strengthen a sense of unity among Germans by opposition.

What was the Kulturkampf, and why did Bismarck abandon it?

The Kulturkampf was Bismarck's campaign against Catholics in Germany, aimed at reducing their influence and promoting state control over religious affairs. It was abandoned due to widespread opposition, even among Protestants, who valued religious tolerance.

How did Bismarck address the issue of workers and social welfare in Germany?

Bismarck introduced the first social welfare programs in the West, including accident, sickness, and unemployment benefits, to address the growing influence of the working class and to counter the rise of socialist movements.

What lesson can be drawn from Bismarck's use of *negative integration* in relation to nation-building?

Bismarck’s use of *negative integration* highlights the dangers of creating a national identity through division and dehumanization of certain groups. It serves as a reminder of how exclusionary tactics can lead to long-term social and political problems.