APEURO: Unit 7, 19th-Century Perspectives, Political Developments - Nationalism and Nation-States, Unification of Italy and Germany

Why This Matters

The unification of Italy and Germany in the mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in European history, as it led to the emergence of two powerful nation-states that would shape the continent's politics, economy, and culture for decades to come. This phenomenon is closely tied to the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it demonstrates how the struggle for national identity and unity can lead to the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or groups. The unification of Italy and Germany also had far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in Europe, contributing to the complex system of alliances and rivalries that ultimately led to World War I.

Key Events & People

• Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (1810-1861): Italian statesman who played a key role in the unification of Italy, serving as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia and negotiating the Treaty of Zurich, which led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882): Italian general and nationalist leader who led the Expedition of the Thousand, a military campaign that helped to unify Italy under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II.
• Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898): German statesman who served as Prime Minister of Prussia and Chancellor of Germany, playing a key role in the unification of Germany through a series of military victories and diplomatic maneuvers.
• King Victor Emmanuel II (1820-1878): King of Sardinia who played a key role in the unification of Italy, serving as the first King of Italy from 1861 to 1878.
• The Austro-Prussian War (1866): A conflict between Austria and Prussia that resulted in the defeat of Austria and the establishment of Prussian dominance in Germany.
• The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): A conflict between France and Prussia that resulted in the defeat of France and the establishment of the German Empire under the leadership of King William I.
• The Treaty of Zurich (1859): A treaty signed between Sardinia and Austria that led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
• The Frankfurt Parliament (1848-1849): A gathering of German nationalists who drafted a constitution for a unified Germany, but were ultimately unsuccessful in their efforts.
• The Zollverein (1834-1866): A customs union between German states that helped to lay the groundwork for the unification of Germany.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The rise of nationalism in Italy and Germany in the mid-19th century, driven by a desire for unity and independence from foreign powers.
• Effect: The unification of Italy and Germany under the leadership of Cavour and Bismarck, respectively.

• Long-term consequence: The emergence of two powerful nation-states that would shape the course of European history for decades to come.

• Cause: The establishment of the Zollverein, a customs union between German states.

• Effect: The creation of a unified economic system that helped to lay the groundwork for the unification of Germany.

• Long-term consequence: The strengthening of Prussian dominance in Germany and the eventual unification of the country under Prussian leadership.

• Cause: The defeat of Austria in the Austro-Prussian War.

• Effect: The establishment of Prussian dominance in Germany and the eventual unification of the country under Prussian leadership.
• Long-term consequence: The emergence of the German Empire under the leadership of King William I.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and unity.
• *Unification*: The process of bringing together different states or regions under a single government or leadership.
• *Bismarckian Realpolitik*: A diplomatic approach that emphasizes the pursuit of power and self-interest over idealistic or moral considerations.
• *Cavour's diplomacy*: A diplomatic approach that emphasizes the use of negotiation and compromise to achieve national goals.
• *Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand*: A military campaign that helped to unify Italy under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II.
• *The Frankfurt Parliament*: A gathering of German nationalists who drafted a constitution for a unified Germany.
• *The Zollverein*: A customs union between German states that helped to lay the groundwork for the unification of Germany.
• *Realpolitik*: A diplomatic approach that emphasizes the pursuit of power and self-interest over idealistic or moral considerations.
• *Liberalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: Believing that the unification of Italy and Germany was a peaceful process, with no significant conflicts or challenges.
• Correction: The unification of Italy and Germany was a complex and often violent process, marked by conflicts with Austria and other European powers.
• What students often get wrong: Thinking that Cavour and Bismarck were the only key figures in the unification of Italy and Germany.
• Correction: While Cavour and Bismarck played important roles, other figures such as Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel II also played significant parts in the unification of Italy and Germany.
• What students often get wrong: Believing that the unification of Italy and Germany was a single event, rather than a complex process that took place over several decades.
• Correction: The unification of Italy and Germany was a gradual process that took place over several decades, marked by a series of military victories, diplomatic maneuvers, and constitutional reforms.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of nationalism in the unification of Italy and Germany. How did nationalist sentiment shape the actions of key leaders such as Cavour and Bismarck? What were the consequences of this nationalism for the balance of power in Europe?
• Specific evidence: Cavour's speeches and writings, the Frankfurt Parliament's constitution, the Treaty of Zurich.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the unification of Italy and Germany. How did the two processes differ in terms of their causes, course, and consequences? What can we learn from these similarities and differences about the nature of nationalism and unification?
• Specific evidence: The Zollverein, the Austro-Prussian War, the Franco-Prussian War.

Quick Self-Check

1. Who was the leader of the Expedition of the Thousand? a) Giuseppe Garibaldi b) Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour c) Otto von Bismarck d) King Victor Emmanuel II

Answer: a) Giuseppe Garibaldi Explanation: Garibaldi led the Expedition of the Thousand, a military campaign that helped to unify Italy under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II.

1. What was the name of the customs union between German states that helped to lay the groundwork for the unification of Germany? a) The Zollverein b) The Frankfurt Parliament c) The Treaty of Zurich d) The Austro-Prussian War

Answer: a) The Zollverein Explanation: The Zollverein was a customs union between German states that helped to lay the groundwork for the unification of Germany.

1. Who was the leader of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War? a) Otto von Bismarck b) King William I c) Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour d) Giuseppe Garibaldi

Answer: b) King William I Explanation: King William I was the leader of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• The unification of Italy and Germany took place in the mid-19th century.
• The Treaty of Zurich (1859) led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
• The Zollverein (1834-1866) was a customs union between German states.
• The Austro-Prussian War (1866) resulted in the defeat of Austria and the establishment of Prussian dominance in Germany.
• The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) resulted in the defeat of France and the establishment of the German Empire under the leadership of King William I.
• Cavour and Bismarck were key leaders in the unification of Italy and Germany.
• The Frankfurt Parliament (1848-1849) drafted a constitution for a unified Germany.
• The Expedition of the Thousand (1860) was a military campaign led by Giuseppe Garibaldi that helped to unify Italy under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel II.
• The Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) established the German Empire under the leadership of King William I.
• The unification of Italy and Germany was a complex and often violent process, marked by conflicts with Austria and other European powers.