Unification of Italy and Germany
In the nineteenth century the separate states of Italy and Germany joined to become unified nations through diplomacy and war.
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In the nineteenth century the separate states of Italy and Germany joined to become unified nations through diplomacy and war.
- Garibaldi helped unify Italy
- Bismarck led German unification
- Nationalism was a strong force
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Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Unification of Italy and Germany?
Within History, which covers ancient civilisations, empires, revolutions, world wars and the making of the modern world, this topic explains Unification of Italy and Germany. History topics connect events, people and ideas across time, so each one here gives a clear summary and a way to test your understanding.
Check that you can explain Unification of Italy and Germany in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Unification of Italy and Germany helps you explain change over time and judge why events happened, which is the core skill in history essays.
Unification of Italy and Germany in detail
In 1815, Italy was split into separate states and Germany into a confederation of 39 states. Nationalism grew in both. In Italy, Cavour, prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, used diplomacy, and Garibaldi led the Red Shirts to conquer Sicily and Naples. Victor Emmanuel II became king of Italy in 1861, and Rome joined in 1870.
In Germany, Otto von Bismarck of Prussia used "blood and iron" in three wars, against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866) and France (1870–71), and the German Empire was proclaimed at Versailles in 1871. Unification created powerful new states and changed the balance of power in Europe.
How the interactive helps you understand Unification of Italy and Germany
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Real-life uses and examples
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating one source as the whole story when you study Unification of Italy and Germany.
- Describing events without explaining why they happened.
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Frequently asked questions about Unification of Italy and Germany
What is Unification of Italy and Germany?
In the nineteenth century the separate states of Italy and Germany joined to become unified nations through diplomacy and war.
What are the most important points about Unification of Italy and Germany?
The main points are: Garibaldi helped unify Italy; Bismarck led German unification; Nationalism was a strong force.
Why is Unification of Italy and Germany useful?
Understanding Unification of Italy and Germany helps you explain change over time and judge why events happened, which is the core skill in history essays.
How can I practise Unification of Italy and Germany?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Unification of Italy and Germany?
Related topics in History include Trench Warfare, The Russian Revolution, Nazi Germany.