The events of the unification of Italy and Germany

The events of the unification of Italy and Germany

The unification of Italy and Germany was founded on the nationalism belief. Nationalism is centered on the belief that the greatest loyalty that one owes should not be to an empire or the king, rather, the loyalty should be directed towards a group of individuals who share the same nationality and culture. Thus, the nation’s loyalty will lead to a nation that is led and directed by an independent government. However, the effects of extreme nationalism had its advantages and shortcomings and were also responsible for the moulding and dominating the historical course of humanity in both Italy and Germany.

During the revolts that took place in 1848 in the eight states of the Italian peninsula, the nationalists had to look up for leadership from the kingdom of Sardinia. The Sardinia kingdom was one that had its specialities, such as being the only state that was wholly ruled by Italians. In addition, the state was a liberal, powerful, and independent. The independence, however, was due to the democratic government that the Sardinia state had. The state led other smaller kingdoms in Italy against the revolt of Austria domination in the country. The allied forces in Italian states led Austria to recognize the country as one that had ultimate and strong governance and as such, gave the country its independence. Due to the help that France had also given Italy in gaining its independence, Italy had to in return give some states such as savoy and Nice to France. Following the footsteps of Sardinia, several states in Italy formed rebellions against Austria and later formed a united Italy.

Following the defeat of Austria in Italy, the former turned to Germany to demand some of the latter’s territories. Since German had no allies in the war against Austria, the Danish war that resulted between the two countries led German to lose some of her territories to Austria and Prussia. The territories obtained were split between the two nations. Following the loss, German under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, made an alliance with Italy where Bismarck through his nationalism and diplomatic tactic persuaded Italy to help him in the war against Prussia. Due to the allied forces between the two countries, Germany worn against Prussia and formed the German kingdom without the inclusion of Prussia. The unification of Germany was strongly rallied by Bismarck. He united Germany through blood and iron. To reduce Prussian powers, Bismarck had to win a war against Denmark. He did this through provoking a war between Prussia and Austria. By so doing, Austria which had taken some part of Germany territories was strongly defeated by Prussia. As a result, Austria withdrew her domination from Germany territories, and this led to all the Germany states to be under one ruler, Bismarck hence, the unification of Germany.

Similarly, Italy being a unified country under the leadership of Cavour, it decided to form allies with France due to Austria’s threat. Therefore, the unification of the two countries was due to the fear of Austrian’s power. However, the nationalists in Italy were against Cavour’s allied power with France. They were of the idea that he should have united all the states in Italy given that they were newly unified and any miscalculated move would result in the fall of Italian states. Nevertheless, the tough and intelligent leadership tactics that Cavour had led him to have several ties with other countries that undermined any threat from foreign invasion, making Italy a strong democratic country in Europe. Following the years after 1861, an Italian parliament was created with Victor Emmanuel being the first king of Italy. Rome was declared the capital city of Italy despite being a territory that was not unified under the Italian governance. Therefore, it was through the diplomatic leadership of Cavour that Italy became a unified kingdom.

The harsh economic times that faced the majority of European states led to the unification of Germany. Under their ruler and chancellor, Bismarck advocated for a unified Germany where several states in Germany would work closely together and in the long-run would bring economic integration amongst the Germany states. The unification of Germany states would reduce tariffs and the taxes between states, and this would lead to Germany being a strong nation that could withstand any foreign invasion due to its good economic policies. Economic integration was one of the events during the unification in Germany.

Through Bismarck’s authoritarian and diplomatic leadership, Germany became a strong nation where he would stir wars between nations and would end up conquering some of the war-torn nation’s states. In addition, Bismarck’s diplomatic rule ensured that he would not make enemies. Thus, he would enter into war treaties with the allied nations, further enhancing Germany’s political and economic powers. For instance, the Franco-Prussian and Austria-Prussian war was one of the events that led to the unification of Germany. France was defeated during this war, and this led to more Germany states honoring Bismarck as their leader, and it further united the country. Thus, the Franco-Prussian and Austria-Prussian war was one of the events during the unification of Germany.

Nationalism was the unification factor between Italy and Germany. Due to the nationalism ideologies and revolutionary perspectives, the two countries became some of the strongest nations in Europe. Nationalism improved the political, social, and economic conditions of both countries and each citizen owed their loyalty to the state.