Italy and Germany unification in the nineteenth century

Italy and Germany

Unification of both Italy and Germany took place at the same period in late 19th century. War for unification of Italy was over by 1870's and a key role in this war was played by Piedmont and Sardinia, whose leader, king Victor- Emanuel later became the king of Italy. A leading role in the war was played by Guissepe Garibaldi, Italian patriot and a prominent public figure who became the commander of volunteers in the numerous wars fought by Piedmont against Austria, France and neighboring Italian kingdoms and provinces. Weakness of politicians and oligarchy of Piedmont, their inability to successfully fight against Austria, French and their allies in the face of Italian states, lead to the growth of nationalism and patriotism among entire Italian nation, which as a result led to the unification mainly thanks to army of volunteers rather than to permanent army. Such political conditions influenced future political history of Italy, where the positions of parties who defended middle and low classes have been always strong.

German unification had another scenario as it was unified only "by iron and blood" according to saying of German counselor Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck was counselor of the richest and the most developed German state of Prussia. He was ideologist of German unification and ideologist of German imperial militarism. According to his geopolitical plans the future German nation had to be represented only by two dominating states: Germany (headed by Prussia) and Austria-Hungary. Understanding high military and economic potential of Prussia, Bismarck still didn't plan to defeat Austria-Hungary, as it would have negative outcomes for the whole European geopolitics, instead he planned to build a strong German state with Austria-Hungary as an ally. Prussian army was one on the best in Europe at the end of the 19th century due to total militarisation of economy, industry and mentality of people. Prussia quickly unified German lands, which were early in possessions of Denmark, France and Austria. By late 1870's it was one of the strongest and the most military advanced countries in Europe with ambitions for total domination in Europe. The spirit of militarism and German superiority was widely propagandized by government, imperial orders and effectively functioning state institutions in Germany, which created stability and trust to the government of all social classes.

The failure in the WWI was fatal for German nation. It lost colonial possessions in Africa and Pacific, lost western provinces rich in mineral resources and had to pay huge reparations to victors (the U.S.A., France and Great Britain). Collapse of empire, revolution, which resulted in creation of Weimar republic and adoption of new Weimar constitution only turned the situation from bad to worse in some few years. Hyperinflation, unemployment and poverty supplemented by the sense of humiliation and frustration of a former strong and proud nation, led to the spread of radical leftist political ideas of ultra-nationalism. This ideology was mainly propagandized by German national socialist party of Adolph Hitler, which received wide support among former soldiers, officers and oligarchy, who were interested in stabilization of economy and state control over prices and protectionism.

Italy participated in WWI on the side of Allies, but outcomes of war were not victorious for the country. It had an outstanding debt to France, the U.S.A. And Great Britain. Militarisation of industry was followed by after war economical stagnation and recession, which turned into high unemployment and crisis. Immigration rate during after war years was very slow, which only deepened unemployment situation. Government's measures to improve economical situation were unsuccessful, which resulted in the raising of socialist and nationalist ideas among working class. Ideas of socialism were very close for the majority of Italian workers, but after war crisis also deepened the feeling of revenge and nationalism. Fascist party of Benito Mussolini gained high popularity among workers, it was also subsidized by oligarchy, who wanted a country with strong government which would guarantee economical stability and which would protect national monopolies.