Italian and German Unification: Crash Course European History #27

CrashCourse
26 Nov 201914:22
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis Crash Course European History episode explores the nation-building efforts of the mid-19th century, focusing on figures like Napoleon III and Otto von Bismarck. It discusses the unification of Italy and Germany, highlighting the roles of Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy, and Bismarck's realpolitik in creating the German Empire. The episode also delves into the concept of negative integration as a means of nation-building, illustrating how shared enemies or opposition can unite disparate groups into a cohesive nation.

Takeaways
  • 🌍 The perception of European nation-states as static and longstanding is incorrect, as Italy and Germany were not unified entities for much of the 19th century.
  • 👑 Napoleon III aimed to modernize France and used war as a tool for nation-building, influencing the political landscape of mid-19th century Europe.
  • 🛤️ Infrastructure development, such as railroads, was a key aspect of modernization and nation-building during this period.
  • 🇮🇹 The unification of Italy was a complex process involving figures like Cavour and Garibaldi, and was influenced by both nationalistic and realpolitik motivations.
  • 🇩🇪 Otto von Bismarck's realpolitik approach and his role in shaping the German Empire were pivotal in the creation of modern Germany.
  • 🎭 Bismarck's political career began with a lack of seriousness, but his marriage and ambitions led him to become a significant European politician.
  • 🤼‍♂️ Military modernization and professionalism were crucial in Prussia's success over Austria and Denmark, leading to the formation of the German Empire.
  • 🗣️ Bismarck's use of media and diplomacy, including manipulating communications to provoke conflict, was a strategic aspect of his nation-building tactics.
  • 🚫 Negative integration, such as the Kulturkampf and targeting Social Democrats, was employed by Bismarck to unite Germany through opposition to certain groups.
  • 🛡️ Bismarck introduced social welfare programs in response to economic downturns and to support the working class, a novel approach at the time.
  • 🌟 The creation of unified nations through victories in war and the concept of negative integration played significant roles in European history.
Q & A

  • What significant event marked the beginning of Napoleon III's reign and how did it relate to his uncle's actions?

    -Napoleon III declared himself emperor on December 2, 1851, exactly 48 years after his uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, had done the same.

  • What were some of the modernization efforts undertaken by Napoleon III in France?

    -Napoleon III aimed to modernize France by creating a lavish court, boosting the economy, establishing banks, building railroads, and setting up a rubber-stamp legislature.

  • How did Napoleon III's actions during the Crimean War contribute to the weakening of the Holy Alliance?

    -Napoleon III's special genius was in getting Austria to remain neutral instead of aiding Russia during the Crimean War, which cracked the Holy Alliance of Russia, Prussia, and Austria that had been set up to stabilize Europe.

  • What was Camillo di Cavour's role in the unification of Italy?

    -Camillo di Cavour was an economic modernizer who aimed to create a unified Italian state. He became the prime minister for the king of Piedmont-Sardinia and moved forward with his modernization plans, which included setting up steamship companies and experimenting in agriculture.

  • How did Giuseppe Garibaldi contribute to the unification of Italy?

    -Giuseppe Garibaldi gathered a thousand volunteers, mostly teenagers, and headed to Sicily where revolts against aristocratic landlords were underway. He planned to capture the south for a united Italy and succeeded in doing so, moving northward to unite with the forces of Piedmont.

  • What was the significance of the alliance between Napoleon III and Cavour?

    -The alliance between Napoleon III and Cavour was significant because it aimed at defeating Austria, which controlled northern Italy. Napoleon's idea was that Piedmont would get Austria’s territory in northern Italy, Napoleon would get the center, and the pope would rule an Italian confederation.

  • What political philosophy did Otto von Bismarck embody and how did it differ from earlier romantic ideals?

    -Otto von Bismarck embodied realpolitik, or power politics, which was a shift from the earlier romantic ideals of national unification and the rule of the people. Bismarck's approach was to be realistic and get things done, rather than relying on divine or romantic destiny.

  • How did Bismarck's approach to politics evolve from his early life?

    -Bismarck's early life was marked by a lack of seriousness and a penchant for carousing and imbibing. However, after meeting and marrying Johanna Puttkammer, he developed a more peaceful home life and became more serious about his ambitions in German and international politics.

  • What was Bismarck's strategy in dealing with the Schleswig-Holstein situation?

    -Bismarck's strategy involved forming an alliance with Austria to go to war against Denmark over the contested rule of Schleswig-Holstein. After their victory, Prussia administered Schleswig while Austria got Holstein. Later, Prussia and Austria went to war again, resulting in Prussia's victory and control over both provinces.

  • How did Bismarck's use of negative integration contribute to the unification of Germany?

    -Bismarck used negative integration by targeting certain groups, such as Catholics during the Kulturkampf and Social Democrats, to unite Germany in opposition to these groups. This approach helped to forge a nation from disparate states by defining what they were not or what they were opposed to.

  • What were the long-term effects of Bismarck's policies on the German Empire and its citizens?

    -Bismarck's policies, including the use of negative integration and the implementation of the first social welfare program in the West, had profound effects on the German Empire. They helped to consolidate the nation but also set a precedent for using dehumanization and targeting of certain groups as a means of unification, which could have catastrophic consequences.

Outlines
00:00
🌍 The Birth of Modern Nations

This paragraph introduces the concept of nation-building in Europe, highlighting the historical context of Italy and Germany's unification. It emphasizes the relatively recent formation of these nation states and challenges the notion of long-standing national identities. The paragraph discusses the role of Napoleon III in France's modernization and his use of war as a tool for nation-building. It also touches on the Crimean War and its impact on the balance of power in Europe, setting the stage for further unification efforts across the continent.

05:03
👑 Bismarck's Rise and Realpolitik

The second paragraph delves into Otto von Bismarck's early life and transformation into a key figure in European politics. It outlines his initial lack of direction and subsequent rise to prominence as Prussia's delegate and ambassador to Russia. The summary highlights Bismarck's staunch support for a unified Germany under a monarch and his controversial methods, including bypassing the parliament to implement reforms. The paragraph also discusses the rivalry between Austria and Prussia for leadership of the German states and Bismarck's improvisational skills in diplomacy and political maneuvering.

10:05
🥊 The Unification of Germany and Negative Integration

This paragraph focuses on Bismarck's strategies for unifying Germany, including his use of negative integration to create a sense of national identity through opposition to certain groups, such as Catholics and Social Democrats. It details the events leading up to the Franco-Prussian War, the subsequent declaration of the German Empire, and the challenges Bismarck faced in forging a nation from diverse states. The summary also touches on Bismarck's social welfare programs and the broader implications of his nation-building tactics, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the promises and perils of such strategies.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡European History
European History refers to the historical events, developments, and cultural shifts that have occurred in Europe over time. In the context of the video, it specifically addresses the formation of modern nation-states such as Italy and Germany, which were not unified entities in the past. The video explores how these nations were built through various processes and political strategies, setting the stage for the nationalistic fervor of the 20th century.
💡Nation-building
Nation-building refers to the process of creating a unified and cohesive nation-state, often through political, social, and cultural integration. In the video, nation-building is depicted as a disruptive and transformative process that occurred in 19th-century Europe, leading to the establishment of new national identities and the shaping of modern political landscapes.
💡Realpolitik
Realpolitik is a political philosophy that prioritizes practical and pragmatic considerations over idealistic or moral ones. It emphasizes power politics and national interest. In the video, realpolitik is contrasted with the romantic dreams of national unification, illustrating the shift in political strategy and thought that occurred during the 19th century, particularly in the context of Otto von Bismarck's actions in creating the German Empire.
💡Napoleon III
Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, was the Emperor of the French Second Empire from 1851 to 1870. He is known for his efforts to modernize France and for his role in various wars, including the Crimean War. In the video, his reign is highlighted as a period of nation-building and modernization, as well as his involvement in the unification of Italy through alliances and military actions.
💡Camillo di Cavour
Camillo di Cavour was a statesman and economist who served as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia and was a key figure in the unification of Italy. He is known for his role as an economic modernizer and his strategic alliances with foreign powers, particularly France, to achieve the goal of Italian unification.
💡Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and nationalist who played a significant role in the unification of Italy. Known for his romantic and revolutionary ideals, Garibaldi led a volunteer force known as the Redshirts in the conquest of Sicily and later joined forces with Piedmont to help unify the Italian peninsula.
💡Otto von Bismarck
Otto von Bismarck, also known as the 'Iron Chancellor,' was a Prussian statesman who served as the first Chancellor of the German Empire. He is renowned for his skill in diplomacy, his role in the unification of Germany, and his pragmatic approach to politics, which is encapsulated by the concept of realpolitik. Bismarck's strategies and policies shaped the political landscape of Europe in the late 19th century.
💡Crimean War
The Crimean War was a military conflict fought from 1853 to 1856 in which the Russian Empire lost to an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. The war was a significant event in European history, as it marked a turning point in the balance of power and the beginning of modern warfare. In the video, the Crimean War is mentioned as an example of Napoleon III's use of war as a tool of nation-building and foreign policy.
💡Italian Unification
Italian Unification refers to the historical process that led to the creation of a single, unified Italian state from several smaller states and territories. This process, known as the Risorgimento, involved various political and military leaders and events, including the roles of Cavour, Garibaldi, and Napoleon III, and culminated in the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
💡German Empire
The German Empire was a federal monarchy in Europe that existed from 1871 to 1918, when it was replaced by the Weimar Republic. It was established following the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, with Otto von Bismarck as its first Chancellor. The Empire represented a significant shift in European politics and marked the culmination of Bismarck's nation-building efforts.
💡Kulturkampf
Kulturkampf, or 'Culture Struggle,' refers to a series of policies in the 1870s implemented by Otto von Bismarck in the newly unified German Empire, aimed at reducing the political and cultural influence of the Catholic Church within the state. The policies were part of Bismarck's broader strategy of nation-building through negative integration, attempting to unify the German people by defining them in opposition to Catholicism.
Highlights

Italy and Germany were not unified entities during much of European history.

National identities such as 'Italian' and 'German' are relatively new concepts.

Napoleon III aimed to modernize France and used war as a tool for nation-building.

The Crimean War was a conflict that redrew the political map of Europe.

Camillo di Cavour, like Napoleon III, was an economic modernizer and aimed for Italian unification.

Napoleon III's alliance with Cavour led to the defeat of Austria and the unification of Italy.

Giuseppe Garibaldi's volunteer force played a key role in the unification of Italy.

The concept of realpolitik emerged, emphasizing power politics over romantic nationalism.

Otto von Bismarck rose to prominence as a practitioner of realpolitik and a key figure in German unification.

Bismarck's approach to politics was characterized by improvisation rather than a pre-planned strategy.

The Austro-Prussian War and the subsequent unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.

Bismarck's use of media and propaganda to manipulate public opinion and international relations.

The Franco-Prussian War led to the capture of Napoleon III and the consolidation of German states.

The establishment of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Bismarck's negative integration strategy, targeting certain groups to unite the rest of Germany.

The Kulturkampf, Bismarck's campaign against Catholics, as an example of negative integration.

Bismarck's implementation of the first social welfare program in the West.

The impact of economic downturns on the newly unified nations of Italy and Germany.

The role of professional armies in creating unified nations and the concept of nations as not inevitable or natural.

Transcripts

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EuropeanHistoryNationBuildingNapoleonIIIOttoBismarckItalianUnificationGermanEmpireRealpolitikCrashCourse19thCenturyNationalIdentity