Question

Therefore, if we so ardently desire the emancipation of Italy - if we declare that in the face of this great question all the petty questions that divide us must be silenced - it is not only that we may see our country glorious and powerful but that above all we may elevate her in intelligence and moral development up to the plane of the most civilized nations. . . . Nationalism has become general; it grows daily; and it has already grown strong enough to keep all parts of Italy united despite the differences that distinguish them.
According to the passage, what were Cavour’s motivations for unification? Check all that apply.

Answer 1

Answer: The history of every age proves that no people can attain a high degree of intelligence and morality unless its feeling of nationality is strongly developed. This noteworthy fact is an inevitable consequence of the laws that rule human nature. . . .Therefore, if we so ardently desire the emancipation of Italy--if we declare that in the face of this great question all the petty questions that divide us must be silenced--it is not only that we may see our country glorious and powerful but that above all we may elevate her in intelligence and moral development up to the plane of the most civilized nations. . . .This union we preach with such ardor is not so difficult to obtain as one might suppose if one judged only by exterior appearances or if one were preoccupied with our unhappy divisions. Nationalism has become general; it grows daily; and it has already grown strong enough to keep all parts of Italy united despite the differences that distinguish them.

Answer 2

The correct answers were "He wanted to bring glory and power to Italy," "He hoped to increase Italy's power," and "Sought to advance Italian civilization."

Count Camilo Benso di Cavour (1810-1861) was the prominent man in the history of the Italian peninsula that helped to forge Italy. He was so smart and had skills of a stateman because he designed the structure to unify the states and became the first Prime Minister of Italy. In 1858, Benso met with Napoleon III to organize Italy and plot a war against Austria.