The Unification of Italy PDF

The Unification of Italy Dr. Santosh Kumar Yadav Lovely Professional University  Content Introduction Background & Causes Different Phases of Unification Books Review Questions Lovely Professional University ...

The Unification of Italy Dr. Santosh Kumar Yadav Lovely Professional University  Content Introduction Background & Causes Different Phases of Unification Books Review Questions Lovely Professional University  Introduction Italy was the one of the prominent country of Europe in the ancient time, and it was the part of Roman Empire. But during the medieval period geographical changes and fragmentation happen. During the middle of the nineteenth century, Italy was divided into seven states. Lovely Professional University  Italy too had a long history of political fragmentation. Italians were scattered over several dynastic states as well as the multi-national Habsburg Empire. During the middle of the nineteenth century, Italy was divided into seven states, of which only one, Sardinia- Piedmont, was ruled by an Italian princely house. Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University  Broadly it can be divided in to 3 geographical region North, middle and South The north was under Austrian Habsburgs, the centre was ruled by the Pope and the southern regions were under the domination of the kings of Spain, France and others. Even the Italian language had not acquired one common form and still had many regional and local variations. Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University  The unification of Italy was started in 1815 in Vienna and 1871, Rome became the new capital of Italy then the total process of unification was completed. It was a two-step procedure; first was to gain freedom from Austria and second was the process of independent states of Italy into a single domain. Lovely Professional University  These divisions of the Italian Peninsula helped the process of the unification of Italy. The beginning of Italian unification was the Austrian- Franco War, which occurred in the year of 1859. Lovely Professional University  Background & Causes The unification of Italy and Germany are considered by historians as important events in the history of the modern world. The fundamental inspiration behind the unifications was the emergence of national consciousness in the Italian and German people. Lovely Professional University  1-The impact of French Revolution on Italy The revolution in France led to the absolute monarchy being swept away and the introduction of political and administrative reform based, at least in theory, on the idea of liberty. The ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity slowly spread to Italy and encouraged the growth of national consciousness among the Italian people. Lovely Professional University  2-Impact of Napoleonic rule A series of French victories left Napoleon in control of most of northern Italy and from 1796 to 1799 he introduced a number of political changes. Under French rule, Italians experienced a transformation in how they were governed. Under the Napoleon Code feudalism was abolished and equality before the law established. Lovely Professional University  State officials administered parts of Italy under a unified and clearly defined system of rules. French rule sped up the process of the rise of the middle class in Italy. Under the rule of Napoleon, the French sold large amounts of Church land. Lovely Professional University  The land was purchased by the middle classes. Indeed, many of the later leaders of the process of political unification of Italy such as Camillo Cavour came from families that had earned their wealth during this period. Lovely Professional University  3- Vienna Congress The settlements reached in 1815 at the Vienna Congress had restored Austrian domination over the Italian peninsula. Ferdinand I was restored to Sicily and Naples, the Pope was restored to Rome. The Papal States and Parma, Modena and Tuscany ware given to the members of the Habsburg family. Lovely Professional University  Lombardy and Venetia were occupied to the Austrian Empire and Sardinia and Genoa were added to the kingdom of Piedmont. It was on account of the division of Italy into many independent parts. Austrian Chancellor Metternich said “Italy is merely a geographical entity.” Lovely Professional University  The Treaty of Vienna reflected the wishes of Metternich and the desires of Austria, which now had even greater control over Italian affairs. He wished to impose a conservative settlement thereby crushing the hopes of liberals and nationalists across Europe. Lovely Professional University  4-Establishment of Secret Societies The influence of the French revolution and the period of French dominance in Italy resulted in the emergence of secret societies. The societies were formed to plot against the French. When the French left Italy in 1814, they plotted against the restored governments. Lovely Professional University The Carbonari : The Carbonari or the society of charcoal burners had its origin in Naples and was a purely revolutionary body. The had two aims- banishment of foreigner from Italy and establishment of legal freedom. Their tri-color flag (Black Red and Blue), became very popular and symbol of unification. Lovely Professional University  It was "a vast organization much better adapted for spasmodic movements of destruction than for the construction of new institutions." It attracted a large number of young and old patriots and at one time Louis Napoleon (Emperor Napoleon III) was also its member. Lovely Professional University The Aldelfi The Aldelfi was a strongly anti-French society, which transformed itself into the strangely named ‘Sublime Perfect Masters’ in 1818. Its main aim was the destruction of Austrian rule that would lead to a democratic republic. The leader of the Sublime Perfect Masters was Filippo Buonarrotti, who was a experienced revolutionary. Lovely Professional University The Italian Federation The secret society named the ‘Italian Federation’ was led by Count Confalonieri. It aimed for the creation of a north Italian state to be ruled by a constitutional monarchy. Lovely Professional University 5-Economic Issues In the middle of 19th century, Italy was an economically backward country. 80% population was engaged in Agriculture The pace of industrialization was very slow and not equal in north and south. In short, there was significant economic disparity between the different regions of the Italian peninsula. Lovely Professional University  There were some prominent thinkers, such as Ferdinando Galgiani, Cesare Beccaria, Pietro Verri started thinking about the economic reforms in Italy. They demanded, freedom in economic field Encouragement of national saving and investment Development of effective means of transport and import of technical knowledge from other developing nation. Lovely Professional University  Development in the railway network slowly, in 1854 Italy manufactured his first railway engine in Genoa. It play an important role in emergence the feeling of unification of Italy, by the influencing the economy as well as the arouse of political awakening. But still the economic disturbance was present in the Italy. Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University  Early Revolts A series of movements conducted by secret revolutionary societies which started in the second decade of 19th century and continued for thirty years. Revolt in Naples (1820) In 1820 there was a revolution in Spain. The excitement created by the Spanish revolution of 1820 spread to the Italian dominions of the Spanish Bourboun Kings. Lovely Professional University  The Kingdom of Naples in Italy was ruled by Bourbon King Ferdinand I. The people of Naples, supported by the army, demanded a constitution on the model of Spain. The Carbonari in the army led a revolt under Gen. Guglielmo Pepe. Ferdinand I granted the demands of the rebels with eagerness by approving a liberal constitution. Lovely Professional University  But he later asked the help of Austria then the army was sent to Naples which successfully restored Ferdinand I to absolute power. Lovely Professional University Revolt in Piedmont (1821) The revolt in Naples influenced the people of Piedmont. In Piedmont the people had faith in the King Victor Emmanuel I. The revolutionaries wanted Victor Emmanuel to declare war on Austria. The people of Piedmont wanted the patriots to help the revolutionaries in Naples. Lovely Professional University  However the government of Piedmont was not ready to initiate war against Austria. Therefore, the revolutionaries themselves tried to oppose the Austrian army. However their revolt was successfully suppressed by the Austrian army. Lovely Professional University Efforts of writers Italian poets and philosophers played a notable part in creating a mental revolution among the people. In 1832, Silvio Pollico contributed by his memoires about Austrian prisons. The atrocious approach of Austria discussed in this memoires which has been published magazine “Le-Mie- Priciono”. Lovely Professional University  In 1843, Gioberti, advocated the cause of a federation of Italian states in his book “Moral and civil superiority of Italy”. Lovely Professional University Mazzini (1805 – 72). Among these philosophers the influence of Joseph Mazzini was supreme. Born in Genoa in 1805, he was "the spiritual force (Soul) of the Italian resurrection" He wielded a mighty pen and through his articles swayed the minds of millions of men and inspired his compatriots with a great missionary zeal. Lovely Professional University The "Young Italy" Society The fire of patriotism kept burning within him and in 1831, he founded a new party called the "Young Italy" with the following objects : (i) To create an awakening among the people to free the country from the foreign yoke and to achieve unification. (ii) To instill in men a self-sacrificing sense of duty. Lovely Professional University  (iii) To educate the masses and to tell them their ancient glory and the causes of their present misfortune. (iv) To establish a Republic. The membership of the new society was limited to men under 40 years of age. They were expected to carry the torch of liberty from village to village and land to land. Lovely Professional University  Through the "Young Italy" party, Mazzini enrolled a membership of over 50,000 patriots and roused a feeling of unbounded patriotism, faith and hope. But he had his own weaknesses. He lacked the qualities of practical leadership and underrated the strength of the enemy, who was militarily well armed and very powerful. The "Young" had created only a moral force, not an army to fight the Austrians. Lovely Professional University Gioberti (1801-52). Vincent Gioberti, a priest, wrote The Moral and Civil Primacy of the Italians. He firmly believed in independence but not in unity. He did not support the republican and democratic ideas of Mazzini, for according to him, the Italian genius was essentially monarchical and aristocratic. Lovely Professional University Liberal Royalists Poets and philosophers like Daniele Manin and La Farina (Royalist) organized the "Italian National Society", and advocated the unification of Italy under the King of Piedmont. Lovely Professional University Revolution of 1848 A series of uprisings known as the Revolution of 1848 occurred throughout Europe including. In Italy the revolution occurred in the Kingdom of Naples where the king signed a constitution (Constitutional Monarchy). In the Papal States, radicals took over Rome, causing the Pope to flee. Lovely Professional University  In the absence of the Pope, Garibaldi and Mazzini created a republic called the Roman Republic. In Piedmont, after the insistence of nationalist activists, the King Charles Albert sent military to Lombardy to fight against the Austrians. Although some of the revolutions were successful in the beginning they were quickly crushed. Lovely Professional University  In 1849, France sent troops to Rome and destroyed the short lived Roman Republic. Piedmont lost to the battel and the King Charles Albert was forced to resign, and his son, Victor Emanuel II to become king in 1849. Lovely Professional University Obstacles. Lack of unity, military power Cultural Difference in the north and south Ideological differences Not support from other nation Lovely Professional University Realistic Approach to Unification In 1850, Austria was still the dominant power on the Italian peninsula. After the failure of the revolution of 1848-49, people are looking for Italian unification on the northern Italian state of Piedmont as their best hope to achieve their goal. Lovely Professional University  The 1850s were an important period of political and economic development and change in Piedmont. The new king, Victor Emmanuel II and his prime minister Count Camillo di Cavour played very important role in the unification process. Lovely Professional University Victor Emmanuel II Victor Emmanuel II was born in 1820 in Turin in the Kingdom of Piedmont- Sardinia. He was King of Sardinia from 1849 and 1861 and first king of a united Italy from 1861 to 78). The son of Charles Albert, he took part in the war against Austria (1848) and became king when his father abdicated in 1849. Lovely Professional University  The king and his minister Count Cavour, strengthened the kingdom. In the war with Austria (1859–61), he commanded troops to victories in the Battles of Magenta and Solferino. He secretly encouraged Giuseppe de Garibaldi in the conquest of Sicily and Naples. Lovely Professional University Cavour (1810-1861) Cavour was born in 1810. His father was nobleman in the Kingdom of Piedmont. In 1847 Cavour started the publication of newspaper called the “II Risorgimento” and spread his thoughts of unification by this newspaper Cavour was a kind Nobel who favored constitutional government. Lovely Professional University  After becoming prime minister in 1852, he pursued a policy of economic expansion, encouraging the building of roads, canals and railways and fostering business enterprise by expanding credit and stimulating investment in new industries policy of free trade. The growth in the economy of Piedmont and the subsequent increase in government revenues enabled Cavour to pour money into equipping a large army. Lovely Professional University  He established the Cooperative committees and formulated many societies for the growth of agriculture. He imposed the taxes on the land of Church and tried to bring Church under political control. He raised the well-equipped army of 90,000 soldiers. The boundaries of the state were secured by fortification. Strengthen the Naval forces Lovely Professional University  But he was well aware that he could not challenge Austria directly. In 1858, Cavour came to an agreement with Napoleon III. The emperor agreed to ally with Piedmont in driving the Austrians out of Italy. Once the Austrians were driven out, Italy would be reorganized. Lovely Professional University Italy and the Crimean War In 1854, Britain and France declared war against Russia in the Crimea. In January 1855, Cavour decided to join the war on the side of the allies (Britain and France) and he send 15,000 troops to Crimea. Cavour wanted to gain the favor of Britain and France and he got successes in it. Lovely Professional University  After the end the war, a conference was convened and Cavour invited by England and France to attend it. Then the Cavour propagated the problems of Italy in a very impressive way attracted the both country. He also earn the sympathy of France ruler Napoleon-III. It is often said “Italy took birth from the mud of Crimea.” Lovely Professional University The Orsini Episode On 14th January 1858, four Italians led by Count Felice Orsini, attempted to assassinate Napoleon III as he arrived at the opera with his wife. The justification for such action will lead to the restoration of a republic in France that would be well likely to the creation of an Italian republic. Lovely Professional University Treaty between Cavour and Napoleon Cavour condemned the crime committed by Orsini. They were agreed for the secret meeting in Plombieres. The conditions of the secret treaty were: 1. France will give military (up to 2,00,000) help to Piedmont in the war against Austria, if its provoked by Austria. Lovely Professional University  2. If France is successful in driving Austria out of the provinces of Lombardy and Venetia, Piedmont would give France the provinces of Nice and Savoy. 3. The states of Parma, Modena and Tuscany will be given to Piedmont. Lovely Professional University  4. A marriage would be arranged between the daughter of Emmanuel, and Jerome, a cousin of Napoleon III. This took place in September 1758 and cleared the way for tightening the arrangements between the two countries. France and Piedmont signed a formal military alliance in January 1859. Lovely Professional University Formation of the National Society: In 1857 Mazzini, working from England, organized revolutions in Genoa and Livorno and he failed. Many Italian nationalists then realized the futility of isolated uprisings. A new organization, the National Society, was formed which united many of the groups of the nationalists. Its leaders were Pallavicino, La Farina, Garibaldi and Daniele Manin. Lovely Professional University  They believed that Cavour would be a valuable ally to coordinate the activities of the Italian national movement. The motto of the society became “Independence, unity and constitutional liberty’. Lovely Professional University Cavour’s negotiation with the National Society Cavour saw the value of encouraging the activities of the secret societies which many Italians supported. These societies drew attention of the world to the problems of Italy and contributed to the spread of nationalist spirit at home. Lovely Professional University  Though publicly Cavour disowned any activities which would he viewed with alarm, he privately informed La Farina in October 1858 of his aims to bring about uprising in the northern and central states. Lovely Professional University  The Society played a valuable part in preparing the public mood for war. Garibaldi was asked to form a volunteer force. The society prepared arms depots and circulated pamphlets supporting the leadership of Piedmont. Lovely Professional University War with Austria (1859) Both Austria and Piedmont started to mobilize their forces. On 19th April, Austria sent an ultimatum asking Cavour to demobilize the army within three days or face war. Piedmont refused, and Austria declared war, thereby appearing the attacker. Lovely Professional University  The military weakness of Austria was soon revealed. Important factors contributing to Austrian defeat were : – 1) Poor commanders – 2) Poor strategy – 3) Insufficient forces and – 4) Poor morale of the army. Lovely Professional University  After preliminary fights, two bloody battles were fought at Magenta and Solferino. Losses were heavy on both sides but they were narrow victories for the French and Italians, after then they conquered the whole of Lombardy. The Austrians retreated. Lovely Professional University Treaty of Villafranca (1859) The Preliminary peace terms were settled on 11th July 1859 at Villafranca near Verona. – 1) Lombardy was transferred to Piedmont. – 2) Venetia was to remain with Austria – 3) All Italy was to be included in a new confederation. This was to be under the titular presidency of the Pope. – 4) The hereditary rulers of the states in middle Italy, Tuscany, Modena, Parma and Romagna were to be restored. Lovely Professional University  Since Cavour was kept away from negotiations, he accused Napoleon III of betraying the cause of the Italian people. It is worthy of notice that the peace of Villafranca was signed by Napoleon III without consulting Piedmont. The result was that for many Italians and particularly for Cavour, it seemed treachery. Lovely Professional University  The treaty of Villafranca outraged Cavour and he resigned his post as Prime Minister but later came back to his post again. Lovely Professional University  The people of Italy were disappointed with the treaty of Villafranca. Count Cavour tried to convince Victor Emmanuel III to oppose the treaty. But Victor Emmanuel decided to keep the part of Lombardy he had received in the treaty and try to acquire the remaining part later. Lovely Professional University  Meanwhile there were massive revolt happen in Parma, Modano and Tuscany and rulers fled away. And then March 1860 these above territory merge with Piedmont –Sardinia. Austria want to restored these stales with attack on P/S but they stopped by Britain. Cavour promise to France if they will help P/S the territory of Nice and Savoy will be given to the France. Lovely Professional University  After this Romagna & Bologna merge in P/S Cavour started focusing towards south and he was thinking he will try for unification from South. Then he supported Garibaldi, but not publicly. Cavour instigated garibaldi for revolt in south. Lovely Professional University Age of Garibaldi The greatest leaders of the Italian unification was Joseph Mazzini. He was one of the three men to whom above all others the attainment of Italian unity was due. George Meridith, the English poet, said, “Cavour, Mazzini, and Garibaldi can be considered as brain, Soul, and Sword for the unification of Italy. Lovely Professional University Giuseppe Garibaldi (July 1807 – June 1882) Giuseppe Garibaldi was an important Italian military and political figure. Garibaldi was born on 4th July, 1807 in southern Italy in the province of Nice. His father was a seaman. In his childhood, Garibaldi was extremely rebellious in nature. Lovely Professional University  Garibaldi was influenced by the ideas of Mazzini in his youth and had great belief in the ideology and work of Mazzini. In 1833 he participated in a revolt initiated by Mazzini. Garibaldi was unsuccessful and captured by the government of Piedmont. Garibaldi escape from captivity and take refuge in America. Lovely Professional University  Garibaldi spent the next 14 years in America. Garibaldi returned to Italy after the revolution of 1848. He took part in a number of rebellions in America and earned invaluable experience in guerilla warfare. He also received military training during these rebellions. Lovely Professional University  He built the army under his leadership known as the Red Shirts. The soldiers of the detachment wore clothes of red color which signified revolution. Garibaldi was successful in inspiring the soldiers of the platoon. Garibaldi was the General of the army when Rome was declared a Republic. Lovely Professional University Integration of Sicily and Naples The union of north Italy with Piedmont inspired the people of Sicily and Naples. They revolted against the rule of absolute monarchs. Garibaldi had led the army against them. Garibaldi went to help the people of Sicily and Naples. He defeated the King of Sicily within one week (5th August, 1860). After this victory he marched on the kingdom of Naples. Lovely Professional University  The king of Naples fled without any resistance (6th September 1860). Garibaldi established there a republic. Garibaldi then transferred his attention to Rome. France complained to Cavour, his activity in south. Cavour denied his involvement. Lovely Professional University  Cavour had also certain information about the bad intentions of Garibaldi. Cavour was afraid that the victory of Garibaldi and establishment republic. On the invitation of Cavour, the French army was stationed at Rome to protect the Pope. The Emperor of France, Napoleon III, also supported the action taken by Cavour. Lovely Professional University  The Italian army invaded and conquered the provinces of Umbria and Papels. Meanwhile Cavour make pressure upon Garibaldi then Referendum conducted in south Italy and people of south Italy chose the merger with North Italy rather than being with Garibaldi republic. Lovely Professional University Transformation of Piedmont into Italy The union of Italy, except for Venetia and the part of Rome under the Pope, was completed. On 18th February 1861 the name of the kingdom of Piedmont was changed to Italy and Victor Emmanuel II assumed the title of King of Italy. Thus, Cavour’s dream of completing the unification of Italy under the leadership of Piedmont was completed. Lovely Professional University The union of Venetia Rome and Venetia had not been united with Italy. Till 1866 no major effort was made to achieve the unification of Rome and Venetia. In Germany, Bismarck had initiated efforts to unify Germany during this period. Prussia needed to defeat Austria to encourage the unification of Germany. Lovely Professional University  For the unification of Germany Bismarck collaborated with Italy, if Prussia (Germany) will attack on Austria then the Italy should help by attack on Austria. Then the Venetia will be given to the Italy. Exactly same thing happen in 1866 and after the defeat of Austria, Venetia merged with Italy. Lovely Professional University  Integration of Rome and Unification of Italy (1871) Only Rome remained outside Italy in 1866. Napoleon III, the emperor of France was protecting the Pope. However in 1870 France was attacked by Prussia. One effect of this France-Prussian war was that France had to withdraw its troops from Rome. Lovely Professional University  Victor Emmanuel took this opportunity and attacked Rome and established Italian rule over Rome. The Rome declared the capital of Italy and Vatican City give to the Pope. Now the Unification of Italy completed in 1870. Lovely Professional University  Phase-I (1815-1830) After the Napoleon rule and Viana Congress, feeling of Nationalism emerge among the people of Italy Spread of Nationalistic thought Revolt in Sardinia in 1821 against the Austrian dominance Revolt of 1830, but failed and crushed by Austria Lovely Professional University  Phase-II (1831-1848-49) Revolt lead by Mazzini and Young Italy Idea of Nationalism spread by liberal nationalist. Support of royalist Economical crisis Revolt conducted by P/S in 1948 but not supported by South. Revolt crushed by Austrian and king change in P/S. Victor Emanuel became king after is father Charles Albert. Lovely Professional University  Phase-III (1849-1859) Cavour age: Domestic reforms Gaining the foreign support by Crimea war Britain become neutral and France singed a treaty to military help the P/S after attack by Austria Austria-P/S war in 1859, Austria defeated by P/S with help of France army Lombardy merge with P/S. Villafranca treaty Lovely Professional University  Phase-IV (1860-1870) Massive revolt conducted by the people of Parma Modena, Tuscany and finally merged with P/S. Garibaldi captured Sicily and Naples Through referendum people of south Italy merged in the north Italy. 1966 Austrian-Prussia war happen and Venetia merge with Italy 1870 France-Prussia war Rome declared the Capital of Italy, Unification Completed Lovely Professional University  Books David Thomson, Europe since Napoleon, Penguin, 1966. Carlton J. H. Hayes, History of western civilization since 1500: Carlton J.H. Hayes...[et al.]. MacMillan, 1965. V. D. Mahajan. A History Of Modern Europe Since-1789. S. Chand & Company Limited, 1988. Martin Collier, Italian unification, 1820-71. Heinemann, 2003. Jackson J Spielvogel, Western Civilization: Since 1300. Cengage Learning, 2011. James Harvey Robinson, An introduction to the history of western Europe. Ginn & company, 1918. Lovely Professional University  Review Questions Explain the process of unification of Italy Discuss the various stages of unification of Italy. Review the background for the unification of Italy Explain the contribution of Mazzini, Garibaldi and Cavour to the unification of Italy. Discuss the Role of Nationalism in the unification of Italy. Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University