The Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Module 5/6 the Making of Germany and Italy
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The Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Module 5/6 The Making of Germany and Italy The Making of Germany and Italy Common Features shared by Germany and Italy: 1. Both the countries had a long history of political fragmentation. 2. In both the countries the revolutionary uprisings failed. 3. Both were a part of Austria, Hungary. 4. In both the countries the nationalist sentiments were mobilized by conservatives even after 1848 for promoting state power and achieving political domination. 5. In both the countries Army was involved in the process of unification. 6. In both the countries the movement for unification was led by the chief ministers. Unification of Germany 1. Prussia took on the leadership for the process of German unification under Otto Von Bismarck. 2. It fought three wars with Austria, Denmark and France for 7 years and emerged victoriously. 3. It completed the process of unification in January 1871. Steps taken After Unification 1. The Prussian king Kaiser William-I was proclaimed the German emperor in a ceremony held in the hall of mirrors. 2. The nation building process in Germany demonstrated the power of Prussia. Steps taken by the new state for the development were: 1. A strong emphasis on modernizing currency. 2. Banking. The proclamation of the German empire in the hall of mirrors at Versailles. Anton Von Werner. 3. Legal and judicial systems in Germany. Unification process in Italy 1. Italy was divided into seven states. 2. King Victor Emmanuel-II took up the responsibility of unifying the Italian states through war. 3. Chief minister Cavour led the movement. 4. Garibaldi joined the fray later. 5. In 1861, Victor Emmanuel-II was proclaimed King of united Italy. The Strange case of Britain 1. The nation building process in Great Britain was not due to any revolt or upheaval. 2. It was a long drawn nation building process. 3. The primary identities of the people who inhabited the British Isles were ethnic ones such as English, Welsh, Scott or Irish. 4. In 1688, a nation state with England at its centre came into existence due to its growing importance of wealth and power. For more information refer to 5. The act of Union(1707) between England and Scotland page no. 22 of the text book. resulted in the formation of United Kingdom of Great Britain. Suggested Activities: Get more information on the below given personalities: 1. Otto Von Bismarck. 2. Count Cavour. 3. Garibaldi. Summary of the module This module is about the process that involved in the unification of Germany and Italy. After 1848, the nationalist sentiments were often mobilized by conservatives and achieving political domination over Europe. The attempts made by the liberal nationalists for the nation building failed miserably as they had to face united opposition by Monarchy, Military and Junkers. In both the countries it was army which played an important role in the unification process. Finally, Germany and Italy were unified in 1871 and 1861 respectively. A special case of Britain is also mentioned where the nation building was not due to any revolution but it was a long drawn process. THANK YOU.