How did Italy Become a Country? | Animated History

The Armchair Historian
27 Apr 201810:02
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explores the complex journey towards the unification of Italy, a process that began in the 19th century amidst a backdrop of invasions, internal strife, and foreign rule. It highlights key figures such as Giuseppe Mazzini, Count Camillo di Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose efforts, despite their personal differences, culminated in the creation of a unified Italian state in 1861. The narrative also touches on the challenges faced by the new nation, including political discord and the struggle to forge a cohesive national identity.

Takeaways
  • 🏰 Italy was unified on March 17th, 1861, after centuries of invasion and internal conflict.
  • 🌍 Prior to unification, Italy was a collection of city-states and regions often governed by foreign powers.
  • 🎭 The Renaissance period saw the emergence of independent regional states and the beginning of a national consciousness.
  • πŸ“š Figures like Dante Alighieri, NiccolΓ² Machiavelli, and Cesare Borgia were considered forefathers of a united Italy.
  • 🀺 Italy was considered highly invaded and a battlefield due to the constant struggles between various powers.
  • πŸ’‘ The Napoleonic era introduced liberalism and a minor Industrial Revolution, influencing the rise of Italian nationalism.
  • 🌐 The 1800s saw the growth of a middle class and the desire for infrastructure improvements like roads and railways.
  • πŸ”₯ Key figures in Italian unification included Giuseppe Mazzini, Count of Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ The first Italian war of independence led to the abdication of Charles Albert and the rise of Victor Emmanuel II.
  • 🏹 Giuseppe Garibaldi's expeditions played a significant role in the unification process, including the annexation of Sicily.
  • πŸ›οΈ Rome was the last to be incorporated into Italy, with the capture in 1870 marking the full unification of the country.
Q & A

  • On what date did Italy achieve its unification under one king?

    -Italy achieved its unification on March 17th, 1861.

  • Why did Italy unify relatively late compared to other European powers?

    -Italy unified relatively late due to centuries of invasion and internal strife, with city-states often governed by foreign powers and lacking a unified national identity until the Renaissance period.

  • What historical period saw the emergence of independent regional states in Italy?

    -The Renaissance marked the emergence of independent regional states in Italy.

  • Which historical figures are considered the forefathers of a united Italy?

    -Dante Alighieri, NiccolΓ² Machiavelli, and Cesare Borgia are considered the forefathers of a united Italy.

  • What term is used to describe the period from the 1700s to the early 1800s in Italy?

    -The period from the 1700s to the early 1800s in Italy is referred to as 'The Forgotten centuries.'

  • How did Napoleon's invasion influence the Italian nationalist movement?

    -Napoleon's invasion introduced the germs of liberalism fostered by the French Revolution of 1789, and his defeat led to the agitation of nationalist sentiments among the Italian social class, leading to the rise of secret societies across the nation.

  • What were the roles of Giuseppe Mazzini, Count of Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi in the unification of Italy?

    -Giuseppe Mazzini was an early revolutionary spokesman, the Count of Cavour orchestrated political maneuvering for unification, and Giuseppe Garibaldi was a key military figure whose leadership and guerrilla tactics were crucial in the struggle for Italian independence.

  • What were the two wars that led to the unification of Italy?

    -The two wars that led to the unification of Italy were the First Italian War of Independence (1848-1849) and the Second Italian War of Independence (1859).

  • Which territories were not yet united under Victor Emmanuel II by the year of Cavour's death in 1861?

    -By 1861, the territories not yet united under Victor Emmanuel II were the city of Rome and Austrian-controlled Venice.

  • How did the French secure the state of Lombardy from Austria?

    -The French secured the state of Lombardy from Austria through the Treaty of Zurich, which granted Lombardy to Sardinia as part of a secret agreement, in exchange for Cavour ceding Nice and Savoy to France.

  • What challenges did the newly unified Italy face in the years following unification?

    -The newly unified Italy faced challenges such as the lack of support from the middle class and aristocracy for revolutionary ideals, and political gridlock in the Italian parliament between socialists and liberals.

Outlines
00:00
🌐 The Path to Italian Unification

This paragraph discusses the historical context leading to the unification of Italy. It begins with the state of Italy before unification, characterized by city-states and foreign governance. The Renaissance period saw the emergence of independent regional states and the development of a national consciousness. However, Italy's glory faded as European colonial powers rose. The period of relative calm was shattered by Napoleon's invasion, which introduced liberalism and a minor Industrial Revolution. The defeat of Napoleon sparked a desire for change, and the rise of Italian nationalism led by figures like Giuseppe Mazzini, Count Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. The paragraph sets the stage for the detailed exploration of Italian unification in the subsequent sections.

05:01
πŸ›‘οΈ Struggles and Key Figures in Italian Unification

This paragraph delves into the key figures and events that shaped the Italian struggle for unification. Giuseppe Mazzini, a revolutionary spokesman, believed in a divine duty for Italian unification. Count Cavour, a politician, played a crucial role in the political maneuvering leading to unification. Giuseppe Garibaldi, a guerrilla leader, contributed significantly to the struggle against the Austrians. Despite their differences, these figures collectively advanced the cause of Italian unification. The paragraph also covers the revolutions of 1848, the two Italian wars for independence, and the eventual unification of Italy under King Victor Emmanuel II, with the exception of Rome, which was under French control until 1870.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Italian Unification
The process by which the various city-states and regions of Italy were brought together under one government and king, marking the end of centuries of foreign invasions and internal strife. This was a complex historical event involving political maneuvering, wars, and influential figures like Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi. The video discusses the factors leading up to this unification and the challenges faced afterward.
πŸ’‘City-States
Independent urban settlements that were often governed by foreign powers throughout history. In the context of the video, city-states were the primary form of political organization in Italy before the unification, with each having its own government and often competing with one another.
πŸ’‘Renaissance
A period of cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe. The Renaissance saw the emergence of independent regional states in Italy and the development of a national consciousness.
πŸ’‘French Revolution
A radical social and political change in France from 1789, which had a profound impact on Europe, including the spread of liberal ideas such as democracy and nationalism. The French Revolution influenced the Italian nationalist movement and the push for unification.
πŸ’‘Industrial Revolution
A period of major industrialization that began during the 18th century, marked by the transition from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing. The Industrial Revolution introduced changes in Italy that supported the push for unification, such as the construction of roads and railways to connect markets and facilitate trade.
πŸ’‘Nationalism
A political and social ideology that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity and self-determination for a group of people. In the context of the video, Italian nationalism was a driving force behind the unification movement, with figures like Mazzini advocating for a united Italy.
πŸ’‘Giuseppe Mazzini
An Italian revolutionary and a key figure in the Italian unification movement. Mazzini was a proponent of a united Italy and believed that unification was a divine duty. He was considered the de facto leader of the Italian revolutionary movement for a time.
πŸ’‘Count of Cavour
Camillo di Cavour, an Italian statesman and politician who played a crucial role in the formation of modern Italy. He was the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia and through his political maneuvers, he helped to bring about Italian unification under the House of Savoy.
πŸ’‘Giuseppe Garibaldi
An Italian general and nationalist who was instrumental in the Italian unification movement. Known for his military prowess and leadership in the struggle for Italian independence, Garibaldi led the expedition that resulted in the annexation of Sicily.
πŸ’‘Austro-Prussian War
A conflict fought between Austria and Prussia in 1866, which had significant implications for the unification of Italy. The war distracted Austria, allowing Italy to seize the opportunity to unify its remaining territories.
πŸ’‘Risorgimento
The historical period of the 19th century during which the unification of Italy took place. The term 'Risorgimento' is derived from the Italian word 'riso' (rebirth), reflecting the rebirth of Italy as a unified nation-state.
πŸ’‘Total Battle
A free online strategy game that is mentioned in the video as a sponsor. The game involves building a city, training an army, and engaging in multiplayer experiences.
Highlights

Italy was united under one king on March 17th, 1861, after centuries of invasion and internal strife.

Italians historically identified with city-states rather than a distinct nationality, often governed by foreign powers.

During the Renaissance, independent regional states emerged, contributing to the early development of national consciousness.

Italy was considered a playground for the armies of Spain, France, and the Holy Roman Empire due to its fragmented political landscape.

The 16th and 17th centuries marked a cultural and mercantile rebirth in northern Italy, with figures like Dante, Machiavelli, and Borgia influencing the idea of a united Italy.

The period from the 1700s to the early 1800s is referred to as 'The Forgotten Centuries' in Italian history.

Napoleon's invasion of Italy introduced liberalism and a minor Industrial Revolution, impacting the Italian nationalist movement.

After Napoleon's exile, Italy experienced a political landscape with Naples under Bourbon rule and Milan, Venice under Austrian control.

The Industrial Revolution led to an expanding middle class in Italy, valuing infrastructure and interconnected markets.

Giuseppe Mazzini, a revolutionary spokesman, believed Italian unification was a divine duty and envisioned a utopian Italian Republic.

Camilo di Cavour, a politician, played a key role in the political maneuvering that led to Italian unification.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, a guerrilla leader, was a significant figure in the Italian struggle for independence.

The 1848 revolution in France influenced uprisings in Milan, Venice, and Neapolitan revolts against their respective rulers.

Charles Albert of Piedmont-Sardinia declared war on Austria, marking the first Italian war of independence.

The second Italian war for independence in 1859 saw a secret defensive pact between Piedmont-Sardinia and France.

Garibaldi's expedition against Sicily led to its annexation, and he later ceded control to Victor Emmanuel II.

The third and final war of Italian independence was part of the Austro-Prussian war, leading to the unification of Italy under one government.

Post-unification, Italy faced challenges including a lack of unity among the middle class and aristocracy, and political gridlock in the Italian parliament.

Transcripts

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Italian Unification19th CenturyRenaissanceNapoleonic WarsGiuseppe MazziniCamilo CavourGiuseppe GaribaldiEuropean PoliticsNationalismTotal Battle