Why this matters now
These unifications illustrate the force of 19th-century nationalism and explain the rise of Germany and Italy as great powers — a backdrop to the World Wars. The key leaders are commonly tested.
Unification of Italy
Italy was a patchwork of states under foreign and local rule. Three figures led unification: Giuseppe Mazzini (the idealist, founder of “Young Italy”), Count Cavour (the diplomat/statesman of Piedmont-Sardinia) and Giuseppe Garibaldi (the soldier, leader of the Red Shirts). Italy was largely unified by 1861, with Rome added in 1870.
Unification of Germany
German unification was driven by Prussia’s chancellor Otto von Bismarck, through a policy of “blood and iron” — three calculated wars (against Denmark, Austria and France). After the Franco-Prussian War, the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871 at Versailles, with the Prussian king as Kaiser.
Significance
The two unifications created powerful new states and shifted the European balance of power. A strong, ambitious Germany in particular fuelled rivalries and arms races that contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
UPSC angle
Match the leaders to their roles (Mazzini-idealist, Cavour-diplomat, Garibaldi-soldier; Bismarck-blood and iron) and the dates (Italy ~1861/1870; Germany 1871).
Frequently asked questions
Who were the key figures in Italian unification?
Mazzini (idealist), Cavour (statesman) and Garibaldi (soldier).
Who unified Germany?
Prussia’s chancellor Otto von Bismarck, through a policy of “blood and iron” and three wars, culminating in the German Empire in 1871.
What does “blood and iron” mean?
Bismarck’s policy of achieving unification through military strength and force rather than speeches and majority votes.
Why was unification significant?
It created powerful new nation-states and shifted the European balance of power, contributing to the rivalries behind World War I.