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Unification:the process of being united or made into a whole. (unite, unify, come together, join),
In the case of countries, when we unify we united a group of nations to form a new nation-state.
Remember: A nation is a group of likeminded people who share a common language, history, ethnicity and religion that feel that they are different from others. A state is the government that rules you and the borders of your country.
In the 1800's two new nation-states were formed. Italy and Germany. Both exist today but both were a collection of small countries that mostly shared the same history, ethnicity, religion and language.
How does a group of small countries that share those characteristics come together? The answer is NATIONALISM
Start with reading the text below. You will use the blue paragraphs to answer questions 1-2 on the packet.
Europe After 1848
In contrast to the period before 1848, which was a period of revolutions but of international peace, the period 1848 to 1914 was one of internal calm within the nations of Europe but of increasing international tension and war.
The international peace which had been established by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, was seriously threatened by the emergence of two new united states in Europe - Italy and Germany. However, even before these two new states were created a war broke out which involved Ottoman Turkey, Russia, France and Britain. This was the Crimean War (1854-1856).
The Unification of Italy and Germany
(The Breakdown of the Balance of Power)
The map of Europe took on a different look after 1848. The period of revolutions was over and, from now on, most of the liberals and the nationalists in Europe began to cooperate with their governments rather than trying to overthrow them. In turn, many governments found that by agreeing to certain liberal reforms, and adapting the demands of the nationalists to their needs, they could actually make their states stronger, not weaker, as they previously feared.
The second half of the 19th century saw a Europe dominated by a small number of powerful nation-states. As they were not the same as those which had reshaped Europe at the Congress of Vienna, the balance of power which had prevented war between 1815 and 1854 was upset. The creation of two new states, the growth of international tension, wars and the formation of two of hostile alliances were to set the scene for the greatest and bloodiest conflict the world had ever known - World War 1.
Click on the link below to answer questions 3-9 in the packet.
German & Italian Unification are here. (Questions 3-9)
For the map questions click on this link below
For handout 2.c click on the link below. You will need a separate sheet of paper for this assignment
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