German and Italian Unification (in class lesson 1/22)

Key Figures in German and Italian Unification

• Otto von Bismarck

  • Appointed Chancellor of Prussia in 1862.

  • Focused on unifying Germany under Prussian leadership.

  • Employed realpolitik - a realistic and pragmatic approach to politics.

• Count Camillo Cavour

  • Became Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

  • Aimed for the unification of Italy.

• Giuseppe Garibaldi

  • A revolutionary leader who organized the Red Shirts.

  • Worked toward the conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Steps Toward German Unification

• Initial Objective

  • Bismarck’s primary goal: unify the German states spread across central Europe.

• Influences of Napoleon

  • Spread the idea of nationalism among German people.

  • After the Congress of Vienna, Austria had control over many German territories.

Danish War (1864)

• First Step in Bismarck's plan to unite Germany.

• Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria against Denmark.

• Resulted in the acquisition of Schleswig and Holstein.

Austro-Prussian War (1866)

• Bismarck needed to explain the severing of ties with Austria.

• Prussia won decisively, gaining significant German territories.

Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)

• Provoked France into declaring war on Prussia.

• Prussia secured victory, leading to the unification of the German states and the establishment of the German Empire in 1871.

• Territories gained: Alsace-Lorraine.

• Resulted in the declaration of the Second Reich.

Key Dates

• 1862: Bismarck becomes Chancellor of Prussia.

• 1864: Begin Danish War.

• 1866: Austro-Prussian War takes place.

• 1870-1871: Franco-Prussian War occurs.

• 1871: Official declaration of the German Empire.

Steps Toward Italian Unification

• Initial Objective

  • Unify Italy, which was fragmented into multiple kingdoms and territories.

• Influences of Nationalism

  • Napoleon’s conquests fostered a sense of Italian nationalism.

  • Young Italy movement led by Mazzini sought to inspire unification.

Role of Cavour and Garibaldi

• Formation of Alliance with France

  • Cavour allied with France to combat Austrian power in Italy.

• Garibaldi’s March

  • Led the Red Shirts in the overthrow of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, enacting popular support for unification.

Capture of Rome (1871)

• Unification formally completed when Italian forces entered Rome, coinciding with the distraction of France due to the Franco-Prussian War.

• Victor Emmanuel II became the King of a unified Italy.

The Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary

• Formed due to pressures from nationalism and ethnic diversity.

• Each state (Austria and Hungary) retained certain powers, becoming a dual monarchy under Franz Joseph.

Conclusion: Interconnection Between German and Italian Unification

• Both nations experienced conflicts that weakened France and Austria, allowing them to unify.

• The success of German and Italian nationalism laid the groundwork for future conflicts leading up to World War I.

Concise Version

Key Figures in German and Italian Unification

• Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Prussia (1862), aimed to unify Germany under Prussian leadership using realpolitik.

• Count Camillo Cavour: Prime Minister of Sardinia, sought the unification of Italy.

• Giuseppe Garibaldi: Revolutionary leader of the Red Shirts, focused on conquering the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Steps Toward German Unification

1. Initial Objective: Unify various German states.

2. Influences of Napoleon: Introduced nationalism, leading to Austrian dominance over German territories.

3. Danish War (1864): Bismarck allied with Austria, gaining Schleswig and Holstein.

4. Austro-Prussian War (1866): Prussia’s victory expanded its territory by severing ties with Austria.

5. Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): Prussia provoked France; victory led to the German Empire's establishment (1871) and acquisition of Alsace-Lorraine.

Key Dates:

• 1862: Bismarck becomes Chancellor.

• 1864: Danish War.

• 1866: Austro-Prussian War.

• 1870-1871: Franco-Prussian War.

• 1871: German Empire declared.

Steps Toward Italian Unification

1. Initial Objective: Achieve a united Italy from fragmented states.

2. Influences of Nationalism: Napoleon inspired Italian nationalism; Mazzini led the Young Italy movement.

3. Alliances: Cavour allied with France against Austria.

4. Garibaldi’s March: Overthrew the Two Sicilies, gaining public support.

5. Capture of Rome (1871): Completed unification; Victor Emmanuel II became king.

The Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary: Emerged from nationalism, with Austria and Hungary sharing powers under Franz Joseph.

Conclusion: German and Italian unifications were interconnected, both weakening France and Austria, paving the way for future conflicts leading to World War I.