The Making of Modern Germany and Italy: Nationalism and State Formation

Post-1848, the widespread surge of nationalism paved the way for the unification of Germany and Italy, marking a significant chapter in their histories as sovereign nation-states. In Europe France, Germany and Italy Became the epicentre for dissipation of Nationalist Ideas. 

German Unification

Suppression of Liberal Nationalism: This liberal initiative to nation-building was, however, repressed by the combined forces of the monarchy and the military, supported by the large landowners called Junkers of Prussia.

• Prussian Leadership: Prussia took over the leadership of the movement for national unification.
  • Chief minister, Otto von Bismarck, orchestrated this using the Prussian army and bureaucracy.
  • Three wars over seven years – with Austria, Denmark and France – ended in Prussian victory and completed the process of unification. (Refer to Figure 8.9)
• Proclamation of German Empire: In January 1871, the formal proclamation of William I as the German Emperor took place during a distinguished assembly. (Refer to Figure 8.8)
  • Process of nation-building served as a testament to the undeniable dominance of Prussian state power.
• Modernization of Germany: The currency, banking, legal and judicial systems in Germany were modernised.

Italy Unified

Divided Italy: In the mid-19th century, Italy was territorially fragmented into seven distinct states. (Refer to Figure)

• Sardinia-Piedmont was ruled by an Italian princely house; all the regions were dominated by different kings.
• Birth of Italian Nationalism: In the 1830s, Giuseppe Mazzini formally founded a secret society known as Young Italy.
• Leadership For Unification: Chief Minister Cavour directed the movement.
  • In 1859, Sardinia-Piedmont achieved victory over Austrian forces, and in 1860, their successful expansion into South Italy and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was marked by endorsement of local peasants.
• Birth of a Nation with proclamation of Victor Emmanuel II as king of united Italy took place in 1861. (Refer Figure 8.11)

The Strange Case of Britain

• Emergence of Great Britain: In the eighteenth century, Great Britain emerged as the prototype for nation, even though there was no distinct British nation before then.
• Rise of British Power: The nation became powerful as it steadily grew in wealth, importance and power.
• Birth of United Kingdom: The Act of Union, 1707 resulted in the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, granting England considerable influence over Scotland.
• Ireland’s Incorporation: In 1801, Ireland was formally and forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom.
• Symbols of the nascent Britain – the esteemed British flag (Union Jack), the anthem (God Save Our Noble King) and the English language – were actively endorsed.

Visualising the Nation

National Allegories: In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists skillfully personified countries, portraying them as distinct individuals, while nations were represented with grace and strength through female allegorical figures.

• Revolution Through Representation: During the French Revolution, female figures were used to represent concepts like Liberty, Justice, and Republic.
• Symbolizing Justice and Liberty: Liberty is symbolised by a red cap or a broken chain, while Justice is depicted as a blindfolded woman holding weighing scales.

Nationalism and Imperialism

Shrinaking Nationalism: Nationalism began to decline in influence during the last quarter of the 19th century, marking a shift in global ideologies.

• Tension in Balkan: After 1871, the Balkans,a region of geographical and ethnic variation, including Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro, became a major source of nationalist tension in Europe.
  • The inhabitants of this region were broadly known as the Slavs.
• Rise of Romanticism: Romantic nationalism’s rise in the Ottoman-controlled Balkans created explosive tensions due to the empire’s disintegration despite modernization attempts.
  • Due to various conflicts, Balkan became an area of intense conflict.
• Nationalism, Imperialism, and War: During this time, European powers’ fierce competition for trade, colonies, and military supremacy led to regional conflicts and, ultimately, the First World War.
  • In 1914, Europe faced disaster due to Nationalism coupled with imperialism. 
  • Despite anti-imperial efforts, forming independent nation-states proved challenging. The concept of ‘nation-states’ remained universally accepted.

Conclusion

Nationalism became a strong influence in 19th century Europe, bringing together countries such as Germany and Italy and also escalating conflicts in the Balkans. Although it first promoted a feeling of togetherness and autonomy, its harmful capabilities were revealed during World War I. The concept of the nation-state, while under scrutiny, continued to be a key political goal.