Overview
This lecture covers the complex path to Italian Unification, highlighting key figures, major uprisings, and the failures and achievements of the First War of Independence.
The Four Figures and Their Differences
- Garibaldi and Mazzini supported a republic for Italy.
- Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II wanted a unified monarchy.
- All shared the goal of unification but differed on how and what form Italy should take.
Pre-Unification Italy: Division and Foreign Rule
- For over 1200 years, Italy was divided and under foreign domination.
- Napoleonic wars ended with new borders: Kingdom of Two Sicilies, Papal States, Kingdom of Sardinia, Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and Lombardy-Venetia controlled by Austria.
- San Marino remained independent.
Early Revolutionary Movements and "Young Italy"
- The Carbonari (secret society) initiated uprisings in the 1820s–30s, but were suppressed.
- Giuseppe Mazzini, exiled for joining Carbonari, founded "Young Italy" to spread patriotism and call for the expulsion of foreigners.
- The tricolor flag symbolized unity, strength, and liberty.
The 1848 Revolutions and the First War of Independence
- Inspired by earlier events, widespread revolts erupted in 1848, starting with Palermo.
- Various Italian states temporarily granted constitutions; Charles Albert issued the Albertine Statute.
- Charles Albert declared war on Austria, joined by other Italian states displaying the tricolor.
- The strategic mistake and delays allowed Radetzky, Austrian commander, to regroup in the "quadrilateral" fortresses.
- Early Italian gains were reversed due to disunity and Austrian reinforcements.
Failure of Italian Unity (First War of Independence)
- Pope Pius IX joined the war but withdrew, undermining Italian efforts.
- Garibaldi returned but was refused by Charles Albert, limiting revolutionary cooperation.
- The Battle of Custoza was a major loss; Charles Albert abdicated after defeat at Novara in 1849, succeeded by Victor Emmanuel II.
- Vienna Congress boundaries restored; Piedmont paid war debts.
Roman Republic and European Reactions
- Revolutions continued in Rome, leading to the brief Roman Republic governed by a triumvirate including Mazzini.
- Multiple foreign powers (France, Austria, Spain, Two Sicilies) besieged Rome.
- French troops recaptured Rome; Mazzini exiled, Garibaldi fled, Mameli died.
- Venice and other uprisings were eventually suppressed by Radetzky.
Outcomes and Legacy
- Italian unity failed due to lack of cooperation and Austrian military superiority.
- Despite defeat, a strong Italian national sentiment emerged, rooted in the efforts of "Young Italy."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Carbonari — Secret revolutionary society seeking Italian unification.
- Young Italy — Movement founded by Mazzini promoting Italian nationalism and unity.
- Tricolor — Italian flag symbolizing unity, strength, and liberty.
- Albertine Statute — Constitution granted by Charles Albert, later retained by Sardinia.
- First War of Independence — 1848–49 Italian struggle against Austrian rule.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the roles of Garibaldi, Mazzini, Cavour, and Victor Emmanuel II in future developments.
- Prepare for coverage of Cavour's rise and further steps toward Italian unification in the next lecture.