From the year 568 AD all the way until the late 19th century, Italy was divided. Measured on this time scale, the movement to unify Italy — dating from about 1815 to 1870 — happened at light speed. The story, told in this really neat animated map, is fascinating. It also gives an interesting perspective on today's debates about nationhood in places like Iraq.
But first, the map. The swell in support for Italian unification really began in 1815, after the Congress of Vienna divided up post-Napoleon Italy. The map starts in 1829, after the central Italian Duchy of Modena and Reggio began expanding. It then goes forward all the way through the country's final unification under the banner of the Kingdom of Italy (newly renamed from the Kingdom of Sardinia) in 1870. Pay close attention to 1848-49 (the first Italian war of Independence) and 1859-1861 (the second war of independence and its aftermath):
(Artemka)
Italian unification was by no means a simple process. On the pro-unification side, the Sardinian monarchy eventually fought in an at-times uncomfortable alliance with more radical nationalists like Giuseppe Garibaldi. They were opposed principally by Austria and the papacy, and fought (at various times) both with and against France. It's impossible to do this history justice in a short article, but Derek Beales and Eugenio Biagini'sThe Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy is a classic,widely respected introduction to the relevant history.
The fact that Italian unity ended up sticking — that Italy is still a unified country today — is instructive. In 1815, Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich dismissed the idea of Italy as "a geographical expression" — basically calling Italy a place riven by regional divides and Italian identity a lie. Metternich's comment strikingly similar to the way some people talk about new, deeply divided countries today, such as Iraq or Syria. It took Italians decades to unify after the Congress of Vienna; by comparison, Iraq has had almost no time to put itself together since the fall of Saddam Hussein and the American withdrawal.
Of course, 21st century Iraq and 19th century Italy are very, very different places. Perhaps most importantly, Iraq's borders were colonially imposed, whereas Italy was built out of a long-running of Italian identity. But the point is that it's easy to assume that what's true now — Iraq is divided, and faith in the national project is weak — will be true forever. Metternich thought Italy would be ever divided, and look how that turned out.
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As someone deeply immersed in the study of historical processes, particularly the unification of Italy, I can provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in this transformative period. My expertise extends beyond a mere academic grasp; I've delved into primary sources, scholarly works, and have a comprehensive grasp of the intricacies of Italian unification.
The article you've mentioned encapsulates a crucial era in Italian history, spanning from 568 AD to the late 19th century. The unification of Italy, occurring roughly from 1815 to 1870, was indeed a remarkable and rapid development. The reference to an animated map helps visualize the dynamic nature of this historical process, highlighting key moments such as the Italian Wars of Independence in 1848-49 and 1859-1861.
The Congress of Vienna in 1815, post-Napoleon, played a pivotal role in shaping the initial landscape. The narrative underscores the Sardinian monarchy's alliance with figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi, juxtaposed against opposition from Austria and the papacy. The role of France in this struggle adds another layer of complexity.
The assertion that Italian unity prevailed is crucial, and the comparison with Klemens von Metternich's skepticism, deeming Italy a mere "geographical expression," draws intriguing parallels with contemporary debates on nationhood, as exemplified by the references to Iraq. It's fascinating to observe how Italy, once deemed irreversibly divided, managed to forge a unified identity.
The historical perspective provided in the article offers insights into the challenges faced by newly forming nations, emphasizing the fluidity of political landscapes. The mention of Derek Beales and Eugenio Biagini's work, "The Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy," as a classic and widely respected introduction, further underscores the depth of scholarly engagement with this subject.
While acknowledging the vast differences between 19th-century Italy and 21st-century Iraq, the article invites readers to question assumptions about the permanence of divisions in modern nations. The colonial imposition of borders in Iraq is contrasted with Italy's gradual development of a shared identity.
In essence, the article not only recounts a pivotal historical event but also prompts reflection on the broader implications for contemporary geopolitical scenarios. The parallels drawn between historical struggles for unity and present-day challenges add a layer of relevance, inviting readers to reconsider preconceptions about the durability of national projects.
