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Venice, Rome and the extent of unification by 1870
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Italy completed its unification by taking advantage of other countries' wars. But unification on the map did not make Italians feel united.
Venetia, 1866
Italy allied with Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War (1866).
Italy was defeated at the second battle of Custoza and at sea, but Prussia beat Austria.
Austria gave Venetia to France, which passed it to Italy; a plebiscite approved the union.
Italy was defeated at the second battle of Custoza and at sea, but Prussia beat Austria.
Austria gave Venetia to France, which passed it to Italy; a plebiscite approved the union.
Rome, 1870
Garibaldi's attempts on Rome (1862 and 1867) failed; French troops defended the Pope.
In 1870 the Franco-Prussian War forced France to withdraw its troops.
Italian troops entered Rome in September 1870. It became the capital, and the Pope refused to accept the loss of his lands.
In 1870 the Franco-Prussian War forced France to withdraw its troops.
Italian troops entered Rome in September 1870. It became the capital, and the Pope refused to accept the loss of his lands.
How united was Italy?
Piedmontisation: Piedmont's laws, taxes and officials were imposed on other regions, causing resentment.
The South was poor; there was brigandage (armed revolt) in the countryside.
Most people spoke regional dialects, and few could vote.
The Pope opposed the new state, dividing Catholics.
The South was poor; there was brigandage (armed revolt) in the countryside.
Most people spoke regional dialects, and few could vote.
The Pope opposed the new state, dividing Catholics.
Explain how foreign wars helped Italy gain Venetia and Rome.
- Prussia's defeat of Austria in 1866 forced Austria to give up Venetia.
- The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 forced France to withdraw its troops from Rome.
- Italy gained both mainly because of others' victories.
Answer: Prussian victories over Austria and France removed the powers blocking Italy.
Venetia was gained in 1866 thanks to Prussia's defeat of Austria, despite Italy's loss at Custoza. Rome was taken in 1870 when the Franco-Prussian War removed French troops. Piedmontisation, poverty in the South, regional differences and papal hostility limited real unity.
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