HISTÓRIA GERAL #19.2 RISORGIMENTO: A UNIFICAÇÃO DA ITÁLIA

Summary

In this video, history teacher Pedro Rennó provides an in-depth explanation of the unification of Italy in the 19th century. He outlines the fragmented political landscape of Italy, dominated by multiple kingdoms and foreign powers like Austria. The video discusses key figures like Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and King Emmanuel II, as well as the role of various political factions in shaping Italy's unification. The video also touches on the social and political tensions of the time, concluding with Italy's transformation into a unified nation-state in 1871, with a look at the broader impact of the process on European geopolitics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Italy in the 19th century was fragmented into various kingdoms and not a unified nation-state, unlike other European countries such as Portugal, Spain, and France.
• 😀 National states, like Italy's potential unification, were important for creating a strong military, a single currency, and overall protection from imperial powers.
• 😀 Italy’s lack of unification in the 19th century made it vulnerable to domination, particularly by the Austrian Empire, which controlled significant portions of Italian territory.
• 😀 The unification of Italy was a part of the broader nationalist and liberal revolutions happening across Europe, particularly the Spring of the Peoples in 1848.
• 😀 Multiple political ideologies emerged during Italy's unification, including monarchism (Neo-Guelphs) and republicanism (led by figures like Giuseppe Mazzini).
• 😀 The Neo-Guelphs advocated for a papal monarchy with strong influence from the Catholic Church, while republicans pushed for a secular republic with no monarchy.
• 😀 Key figures in Italian unification included Giuseppe Mazzini, who founded Young Italy, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who led military efforts in the south.
• 😀 The Kingdom of Piedmont and Sardinia, led by King Emmanuel II, played a crucial role in unifying the north and defeating Austrian forces.
• 😀 The unification process was marked by military battles, political alliances, and territorial expansions, including territories like Lombardy, Veneto, and parts of the south.
• 😀 In 1871, Rome became the capital of Italy after the annexation of the Papal States, but the Catholic Church did not officially recognize the unification until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was signed with Benito Mussolini.

Q & A

What was the state of Italy before its unification in the 19th century?

Before unification, Italy was fragmented into multiple kingdoms and was not a national state. It lacked a unified national army, monetary system, and political cohesion, unlike other European nations like France, Spain, and England.

Why was the unification of Italy important in the 19th century?

The unification of Italy was essential for its survival as a nation-state, as fragmented regions were vulnerable to foreign domination, especially in the age of imperialism. A unified Italy would gain military, economic, and political strength.

How did the Congress of Vienna impact Italy's political division?

The Congress of Vienna (1815), after Napoleon's defeat, divided Italy into several kingdoms, with Austria controlling much of northern Italy, including Lombardy and Veneto. This division left Italy vulnerable to foreign influence and fragmentation.

What was the 'Spring of the Peoples' and how did it relate to Italy's unification?

The 'Spring of the Peoples' refers to a series of nationalist and liberal revolutions across Europe in 1848. Italy's unification was part of this larger movement, with many Italians seeking to free themselves from foreign rule and establish a unified national state.

What were the key political factions in the Italian unification process?

The key factions included the Neo-Guelphs, who favored a papal monarchy, republicans like Giuseppe Mazzini who wanted a republic, and monarchists led by King Victor Emmanuel II, who proposed a constitutional monarchy for Italy.

What role did Giuseppe Mazzini play in the unification of Italy?

Giuseppe Mazzini was a leading republican figure and the founder of the secret organization 'Young Italy.' He advocated for a republic and played a crucial role in inspiring the unification movement, especially in southern Italy.

How did the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia contribute to Italian unification?

The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, under King Victor Emmanuel II, was the most advanced and powerful state in northern Italy. It played a pivotal role in leading military campaigns against Austria and forming alliances to unify Italy.

What was the significance of Giuseppe Garibaldi in the unification of Italy?

Giuseppe Garibaldi, a republican and military leader, was instrumental in uniting southern Italy with the north. He conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and later joined forces with Victor Emmanuel II to complete the unification process.

When was the Kingdom of Italy officially proclaimed?

The Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed in 1861 after the successful unification of northern and southern Italy, with Victor Emmanuel II becoming the first king of unified Italy.

Why was the annexation of Rome significant to the Italian unification?

The annexation of Rome in 1871 marked the final step in Italy's unification, as Rome became the capital of the newly unified nation. However, this act angered the Catholic Church, which had previously controlled the city, leading to a long-standing dispute between the Vatican and the Italian state.