The Unification of Italy

1. The Unification of Italy Garibaldi

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Europe in the 19th Century:

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Count Cavour, “Architect of Italian Unification” • Count Camillodi Cavour was the “architect” (planner) of Piedmont-Sardinia’s revolt against Austria. • This revolt encouraged other Italian states to revolt.

9. 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.

10. 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 France • Sardinia 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)

11. Check for Understanding • How did Cavour help Sardinia break free from the Austrian Empire? Talk with Partner 30 seconds

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Check for Understanding • What actions led Garibaldi to be called the “sword” of Italian unification? Talk with Partner 30 seconds

16. 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