What were the obstacles in the way of Italian unification?
What were the obstacles in the way of Italian unification?
The obstacles in the way of Italian unification:-
The history of Italy is very eventful. Napoleon conquered Italy and introduced a united Italy and a strong centralized government. However, in 1815, the principle of "Legitimacy" was applied through the Vienna Conference and Italy was divided into many parts. As a result, the progressive ideas and nationalist spirit that had spread in Italy through the French Revolution were stifled. Then Mazzini reawakened nationalist spirit in Italy and Cavour completed the unification of Italy. The main obstacles in the path of establishing the unification of Italy were -
1. Austrian dominance:-
In 1815, the Vienna Conference established Metternich's dictatorship throughout Europe. Metternich was a strong opponent of progressive ideas, democracy, liberalism, etc. He wanted to maintain the old system and conservatism throughout Europe. For this purpose, he implemented several repressive policies throughout Europe. This repressive policy of Austria strongly destroyed the nationalist spirit and the dream of establishing a unified state of Italy.
2. Extreme provincialism: -
With the Vienna Conference and Metternich's strong pressure, Italy was divided into many parts. There were regional differences between the various provinces of the multi-faceted Italy. In the initial stage, these provinces were more eager to protect their own regional interests. This extreme provincialism of the provinces was a major obstacle in the way of Italian unification.
3. Religious issues: -
Although the Pope regained his lost power through the Vienna Conference, the Pope was not respectful of modern and progressive ideas. Since the Papal States were established on the basis of religious rights; Therefore, this religious foundation was an obstacle to the unification of Italy. Although the Pope did not accept modern ideas, he was determined to maintain the old system to maintain his power.
4. Foreign rule: -
After the Vienna Conference, the rule of foreign powers was established in all the provinces of Italy except Sardinia-Piedmont. Even the king of Sardinia-Piedmont, Victor Emmanuel, was a supporter of monarchy and the old system. On the other hand, the ruler of Modena was active in resisting the liberal ideals born of the French Revolution. In this situation, the emergence of a united Italy was not possible in any way.
5. Metternich's intense repression: -
Metternich wanted to resist the liberal ideas born from the French Revolution throughout Europe through his intense repressive policy. Therefore, whenever any liberal idea or nationalism spread, Metternich would resist it through his intense repression policy.
6. Lack of leadership: -
A skilled and capable leader was needed to unify Italy, which was plagued by many problems. But until the advent of Mazzini, no significant leader emerged to unify Italy - which was a major obstacle to the unification of Italy.
7. Ideological conflict: -
Ideological conflict was also a major obstacle to the unification of Italy. On the one hand, Mazzini was against the monarchy and a supporter of republican and liberal ideas. On the other hand, Cavour was a staunch opponent of the republic and a supporter of the monarchy. Again, Garibaldi, although a supporter of the republic, believed in active uprisings. In addition, ideological differences were seen between Mazzini and Cavour regarding the acceptance of foreign aid.
8. Lack of public support: -
The republican ideals and nationalist ideas spread only among the educated, middle class and urban bourgeoisie. Rural Italy, farmers and other classes of people were indifferent to nationalist ideals. Therefore, the lack of public support was an obstacle to the unification of Italy.
9. Military power of Austria: -
Austria was much stronger than Italy in terms of military power. Therefore, it was not possible for Italy to spread nationalism by going against Austria in any way. Moreover, during the era of the success of the Metternich regime, Metternich used almost the entire European military power in the interests of Austria.
10. Failure of the July Revolution: -
The beginning of the July Revolution gave great hope for the spread of nationalist movements and liberal ideas throughout Europe. But after the July Revolution, people realized the futility of the republic. The entire state machinery was used by the bourgeoisie for their own interests; as a result, the interests of the common people were neglected. Therefore, the failure of the July Revolution disappointed the nationalists.
In conclusion, although the failure of the July Revolution disappointed the nationalists, the period following the February Revolution was conducive to the unification of Italy, and under the able leadership of Mazzini and Cavour, Italian unity was established.
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