Question

Based on what you know about German unification and Italian unification, explain how nationalism played a role in making each happen. In what ways did nationalism unite people and in what ways did it divide them? Write a paragraph of 250 to 300 words, citing information you have learned to support your argument.

Answer 1

Nationalism was a central driving force in the unification of both Italy and Germany. This ideology, which emerged during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic invations era, became a central feature of the XIX Century Europe. It consisted of the idea that each nation  (people that shared a common language, history, costums, etc) should have its own State, that is why Nationalism united people of the same nationality in a single unified political entity.  In the case of Germany, it created a single State after three wars occured (against Denmark- 1861, Austria-1866 and France- 1871), state that remained under the influence of the former Kingdom of Prusia. On the other hand, the Kingdom of Italy was created after the Italians could elimiante the influence of foreign powers ever the Italian Peninsula after three independence wars. The new kingdom was created around the figure of Victor Emmanuel II. However, nationalism would also function as a diving force: it was one of the main reasons why several wars occured during the XIX Century, like the independence wars discussed above. Furthermore, it would act not only as a centripetal but also as a centrifugal force in the European political geography: many multinational empires would suffer recurrent crisis and revolutions organized by different national minorities which wanted to create their own national state. What is more, Nationalism, the nationalist ideal, is believed to have been one of the main causes of the First World War. Also, nationalism was also linked with more extreme political ideas, such as state racism and segregation of minorities.

Answer 2

Nationalism played an important role in the unification of Germany and Italy. People united under a shared language, culture, and history. In Germany, they united to fight against the French and other powers keeping them from becoming a sovereign state. Otto von Bismarck led the German states into wars against Austria and France, which helped unite the German states under a common cause. The Italians joined to fight the Austrian Empire. However, after unification, nationalism created a division between Italian nationalists and leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. In Germany, differences arose between liberals and conservatives.