Italian and German Unification
Nita Vasadze
In the 19th century, Europe was consumed by the flames of nationalism. Resulting in the
unification of several fragmented regions into strong nations. Germany and Italy are the most
clear examples of these processes and nationalistic movements. While both states were
driven by the desire for unity, they also showed distinct strategies and approaches to it. This
essay will examine the differences and similarities between German and Italian nationalism
during the 19th century and emphasize the importance of unity and shared identity.
Germany and Italy for a long time were fragmented states under the rule of other nations.
This was the part that sparked both their nationalism and their want for unity. People of
Germany and Italy respectively, shared a sense of culture, language, and history, however,
they were separated and ruled by different nations. Therefore, German nationalists sought to
unite German-speaking people under a single nation-state, and in Italy, the people, after
centuries of foreign rule, longed for independence and aimed to free various Italian territories
into a unified nation as well.
Another factor that played a significant role in guiding these nationalist movements was the
leadership. In Germany, Otto von Bismarck, chancellor at that time, drove them into
unification under Prussian rule, with his strategic use of warfare and manipulative diplomacy.
Likewise, in Italy, leadership was a crucial part but it was split between multiple leaders and
there was not one distinct person. These figures were Guiseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe
Garibaldi, Count Camillo di Cavour, and King Victor Emmanuel II who each contributed to
different phases of the unification process.
On the other hand, there were considerable differences between the two movements in
terms of ideology, government structure, and unification strategy. Following the unification of
Germany, a Prussian-led authoritarian regime was established that placed a significant
emphasis on the central authority. Italy's unification, on the contrary, was a combination of
socialist and nationalist values and wanted to build a constitutional monarchy. Their
approach was more liberal, emphasized on democratic elections and civil rights.
One of the most important differences between these two movements was the economic
integration. In order to unite Germany, the Zollerein, a trade union was established in 1834.
The Zollverein, which was primarily led by Prussia and excluded Austria, Encouraged free
trade and economic cooperation among its member states. It also helped foster a sense of
shared economic interest and identity among the German-speaking peoples. This economic
union therefore was a remarkably important step towards unification.
Whereas, in Italy, the success of military campaigns, including Giuseppe Garibaldi’s
Expedition of the Thousand, which gradually acquired various Italian areas, was the factor
that led to its unification. Additionally, aspiration for independence was their main drive.
The nationalist movement's main objective was independence because Italy had been ruled
by foreigners for centuries. With the conquest of Rome and the end of the Papal States'
temporal sovereignty in 1870, Italy's unification symbolized the victory over foreign
dominance.
In conclusion, while German and Italian unification had their fair share of differences which
were seen in the govermental structure, ideology and unification strategies. They had same
moving force, desire for unification and shared identity which were driven by their prominent
leaders. This was what tured 19th century into the Age of National Unification.
Bibliography:
German Unification reader
Italian Unification reader
Britannica. 2019. “Italy - Unification.” In Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy/Unification.
Schleunes, Karl A, and John Michael Wallace-Hadrill. 2019. “Germany - Germany from 1871
to 1918.” In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/Germany-
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