Unifying Italy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who was Camillo Cavour?

A shrewd ruthless politician that was determined to build a new, united Italy. He was a monarchist who believed in Realpolitik.

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

He was a long-time nationalist and ally of Mazzini who, with weapons from Cavour, invaded Sicily and captured Naples.

Who founded the Young Italy movement?

Giuseppe Mazzini

What was the purpose of Young Italy?

To establish Italy as a united, free, independent, republican nation. Signup and view all the answers

What position did Victor Emmanuel II hold?

He was the constitutional monarch of the kingdom of Sardinia. Signup and view all the answers

What do Anarchists believe?

They want to abolish government. Signup and view all the answers

What is emigration?

Movement of individuals out of an area. Signup and view all the answers

What does Risorgimento refer to?

Italian nationalist movement. Signup and view all the answers

What was preventing Italy from being unified?

Italy was split between three countries and Italians identified themselves with local regions. Signup and view all the answers

What were some reasons to unify Italy?

Common language, history, and geography, plus trade barriers would be gone. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges were faced by unified Italy?

Division between North and South, opposition from the Popes, lack of suffrage, and scarcity of natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures in Italian Unification

Camillo Cavour: Shrewd politician and monarchist who aimed to unify Italy and end Austrian dominance, focusing on annexing Lombardy and Venetia through Realpolitik.
Giuseppe Garibaldi: Nationalist leader and ally of Mazzini, known for commanding the Red Shirts in the successful invasion of Sicily and capture of Naples using arms provided by Cavour.
Giuseppe Mazzini: Founder of the Young Italy movement, an influential nationalist figure advocating for a unified, independent, and republican Italy.
Victor Emmanuel II: Constitutional monarch of Sardinia who led the Risorgimento movement; became the first crowned king of Italy after unification, with Cavour as his Prime Minister.

Important Movements and Ideologies

Young Italy: A secret society established by Mazzini aimed at forming a united and free Italian republic, emphasizing civic rights and national identity.
Risorgimento: The broader nationalist movement that encapsulated various efforts and ideologies aiming for Italian unification under a singular government.

Challenges to Unification

Italy was fragmented into three separate states, with a prevalent local identity that hindered the idea of national unity.
Differences between the more prosperous North and the impoverished South created economic and social divisions post-unification.
The Catholic Church opposed the seizure of the Papal States, contributing to resistance against the new government among Catholic Italians.
Voting rights were not universally granted, leading to social unrest characterized by sabotage, strikes, and violence.
Italy faced a scarcity of natural resources, complicating economic development after unification.

Context for Unification

Common linguistic, historical, and geographical ties among Italians were significant motivators for unity.
The elimination of trade barriers was seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth and cooperation among the various Italian states.

Description

Explore key figures and concepts involved in the unification of Italy. This quiz covers important politicians like Camillo Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi, their roles, and their impact on forming a unified Italian state. Test your knowledge and understanding of this significant historical event.