Key Individuals. Giuseppe Mazzini Born in Genoa Studied to be a lawyer Became member of the Carbonari in 1827 Led failed attempts at revolution.

Key Individuals

Giuseppe Mazzini Born in Genoa Studied to be a lawyer Became member of the

Carbonari in 1827 Led failed attempts at

revolution during the 1830s

Founded ‘Young Italy’ Elected to the Triumvirate

in 1849 Criticised new Italian state

after 1870

What were Mazzini’s aims?

Encouraged people to see themselves as

part of a nation

Wanted democratic independent

Italian Republic

Had concept of ‘Third Rome’ – a civilising

influence on the world

What were Mazzini’s methods?‘Education and revolution’

Sought support from young educated m/class

Italian people to drive the Austrians out

Hoped that publicity and propaganda would create revolutionary class

Constitutional monarchies seen as stop-gap only

How big an impact did Mazzini have on the Unification of Italy? Gave encouragement to Italian patriotism Presented new view of Italy Inspired Garibaldi to join movement Helped to win international publicity for

Italian freedom. Defence of Rome in 1849 was heroic failure

By his actions put pressure on Cavour and others to act more positively

How successful was Mazzini?

Had little practical experience Overestimated level of support – ignored

problems of the peasants Support was limited – used Carbonari methods All his plots failed! Some middle class alienated by his revolutionary

stance Made no attempt to win support from peasants and

town workers

Mazzini’s verdict on Italy, 1871

Italian territory under foreign control

Foreigners had played too important a role in unification

Unhappy with new constitution

Count Emilio Cavour Member of

Piedmontese ruling class

Great admirer of British system of government

Initially aimed at expanding Piedmont rather than uniting Italy

Cavour – Foreign Policy

Aware of shortcomings of ‘Italia fara da se’ Aimed to move Austrians out of Lombardy

& Venetia As PM had considerable control over

foreign policy 1854 – outbreak of Crimean War: Britain &

France vs Russia 15,000 troops sent to support France & GB

Cavour and the Crimean War

Some doubt over motivation but perhaps aimed to gain support from GB & France

Troops played only minor role but did win respect & gratitude from allies

Congress of Paris (1856) dealt with peace negotiations

Cavour not directly involved in talks

Cavour wins support

Foreign support & diplomacy seen as main successes

Also important was link with National Society

Number of its leaders beginning to accept Piedmont as focus for unification

Cavour now looked to France for help against Austria

Napoleon III and Italian Unity Former member of the

Carbonari His troops had crushed

Roman Republic in 1849

Had his own reasons for aiding Piedmont

Probably favoured federation headed by Pope

The Orsini Bomb Plot! In January 1848 Felice

Orsini attempted to assassinate Napoleon III

Hoped that this would aid Italian unity

Did spur Napoleon III into action

Agreement made via Compact of Plombieres

War with Austria

1859 War provoked with Austria French (with limited help from Piedmont)

won 2 closely fought victories Austria on brink of surrender Napoleon III now pulled put of the war –

Truce of Villafranca! Cavour was furious – resigned as PM

Cavour and Garibaldi

Garibaldi raised volunteers to fight for Savoy

Instead went to Sicily Cavour not happy – feared consequences of

Garibaldi’s actions Was torn between trying to stop Garibaldi

and offering support Attempts to stop him failed!

Cavour and the Papal States

Biggest problem for Cavour was fear of French or Austrian intervention

To forestall Garibaldi marching on Rome Cavour sent troops into the Papal States

Piedmontese troops successful but did not receive the same level of support as Garibaldi’s men

By end of 1861 Victor Emmanuel acclaimed first King of Italy

Cavour died end of 1861

Giuseppe Garibaldi

Great romantic figure of the Risorgimento

Charismatic guerrilla leader

Had distinguished himself in the defence of Rome

Was a follower of Mazzini

Garibaldi & the campaign of 1861

Hi-jacked the popular revolt in Sicily Used great cunning to gain control of the

island His ‘1000 Red Shirts’ gained more and

more support Had more problems on the mainland but

was successful in defeating King of Naples Handed his conquests over to VE II

Italy 1861-1870

Kingdom of Italy declared – Victor Emmanuel II ‘by the grace of God and the rule of the people’

First parliament met in Turin, March 1861 1866 VE II anxious to prove Italian military

prowess 2 shattering defeats followed – no support

from Venetians!

Italy 1861-1870 (2)

Venetia occupied after Austrian defeat – voted to join with Italy

Garibaldi made 2 failed attempts to seize Rome (1862, 1867) – little support from the Romans

1870 Franco-Prussian War saw withdrawal of French garrison

Pius XI soon withdrew to the Vatican

How united was Italy by 1870? Bad relations with the Papacy Lack of common language Spread of Piedmontese constitution caused

conflict Franchise restricted – ½ million/22 million Liberal aims had little in common with peasantry Severe economic problems ‘Brigands’ War’ in the South for many years Political system did not develop well