Essential+Questions

=1.) Why did a united Italy make sense to those who favored unification?= They all agreeded that they had not experienced political unity since Roman Times. By the early 1800s, Italian patriots-including Mazzini, would become revolutionary-were determined to build a new,united Italy. Also the geography, a common language, history, and the fact that it would end tade barriers among the Italian states and stimulate industry made sense to those who favored unification and wanted a united Italy. =2.) What were the obstacles in the way of Italian Unification and why might these obstacles make unification difficult?= The Congress of Venia ignored the nationalist who hoped to end centuries of foreign rule and achieve unity. To Prince Metternich of Austria, the idea of a unifed Italy was laughable. At Viena, Austria took control of much of northern Italy, while Hapsburg monarchs ruled various other Italian states. In the south, a French Bourbon ruler was put in charge of Naples and Sicily. With leaders and powerful rulers not wanting unification, they have the power to stop it. What about regional differences, constant warfare, etc. The book, p. 338, addresses this question with some key points. =3.) What steps did the Italian leaders take to unify, or ignite nationalist feelings, in the people?= They organized secret patriotic societies and focused their efforts on expelling Austrian forces from Northern Italy. Between 1820 and 1848, nationalist revolts exploded across the region. Each time, Austria sent in troops to crush the rebels, Nationalists reminded Italians of the glories of ancient Rome and the medival papacy. To others, unity made practical economic sense. It could end trade barriers among the Italian states and stimulate industry. =4.) What military steps were taken in order to free Italian people from oppressive rule?= While trying to free people from oppressive rule there were several military steps taken. A major step was taken by Garbaldi when he recruited over 1000 "red shirted volunteers" to overtake Sicily. Garbaldi did gain control, but later gave up to Victor Emmanel II. Wars were also fought over Naples and Sicily again. After Camillio Cavouur died his successors fought for him and in the end completed his dream of a unified Italy. They rebelled leadership and kicked Austria out of Northern Italy. =5.) What nationalist groups were formed and created in order to strengthen the unification movement?= The "Red Shirts" was a nationalist group that was formed and created in order to strengthen the unification movement. By 1860 Garibaldihad recruited a force of 1000 red shirted volunteers. Cavoured provided weapons and allowed two ships to take Garibaldi and his "Red Shirts" South to Sicily. With surprising speed, Garibaldi's forces won control of Sicily, crossed to the mainland, and marched triumphantly North to Naples.  Mazzini and Young Italy? This is a pretty important nationalist group/organization as well. =6.) What challenges did a united Italy face when they finally were brought together asa a nation-state?= Like the German Empire that Bismark cemented together out of many states, Italy had no tradition of unity. Few Italians felt ties to the new nation. Strong regional rivalries left Italy unable to solve critical national issues. The greatest Regional differences were between the North and the South. The North was richer and had more cities than the South. The North was rich with buisness and culture. The South was rural and poor. Hositility between Italy and the Roman Catholic Church further divided the nation. =7.) What role did Napolen play in the Unification of Italy?= Well he was the French emperor and conquered Italy during the Napoleonic Wars, he reorganized the various states, introduced some of the ideas of the French Revolution ( liberty, fraternity, and equality ), and deposed many of the traditional monarchical rulers.  What about Cavour secretly allying with Napoleon to push out Austria? =8.) Explain the viewpoint of the liberals and the conservatioves with regards to Italian Unification?= The viewpoint of the liberals was that they wanted change. They wanted governments to be based on written constitutions and the separation of powers. They spoke out against divine-right monarchy, the old aristocracy, and established churches. Most of them favored a republican form of government over a monarchy, or at least wanted the monarch to be limited by a constitution. Also, the liberals defended the natural rights of individuals to liberty, equality, and property. They also eventually supported the principle of universal manhood suffrage (giving all men the right to vote) later on in the century. To add, they strongly supported the laissez- faire economics. The viewpoint of the conservatives was that they wanted things to stay the same, and wanted to preserve traditional ways. If things had to change, it must change slowly. Conservatives agreed to work together to support the political/social order that existed before Napoleon and the French Revolution. Conservatives also wanted to restore royal families to their thrones they had lost when Napoleon swept across Europe. They supported a social hierarchy, which lower classes respected and obeyed their social superiors, and supported a monarchy form of government. . =9.) How does Nationalism unify the people of the Italian states?= First of all, nationalism is the pride, passion, loyalty, and support in your nation/national group. This time period of Italian Unification showed the Italians' strength, support, and loyalty towards their nation. Many Italians joined together and worked together in order to accomplish their final goal of unifying Italy. Unification was brought about by the efforts of a strong state and furthered by their several leaders. The Italians went through many challenges and took many steps to unifying Italy. People of the Italian states took many steps to acquire new territory, and went through it all with several different leaders in to process of acquiring more and more land every time (which are all steps towards becoming a unified Italy). The people of the Italian states came together as one (nationalist group) in order to overcome any challenges that they faced, as well as worked together to reach their goal of a united Italy, which shows they had pride and support for their nation.