Question

What was the role of the unification of Germany and Italy in the rise of European nationalism?

Hint:

Link examples (Mazzini–Cavour–Garibaldi; Bismarck and the 3 wars) to effects (model for others, stronger nation-state, power shift). End with one line on the ambivalent legacy.

Answer 1

Background:
After 1815, Europe had many fragmented states and multi-national empires. The successful national unifications of Italy (completed 1861–1870) and Germany (1871) provided powerful models of the nation-state.
Role in the rise of European nationalism:
1. Demonstration effect of success:
Italy (Mazzini's ideology, Cavour's diplomacy, Garibaldi's mass action) and Germany (Bismarck's leadership, wars of 1864/1866/1870) showed that scattered principalities could be welded into a single nation through political strategy, mass mobilisation and, when needed, war. Their success inspired Poles, Hungarians, Czechs, Balkan peoples and others to press their own national claims.
2. Nation-state as the new ideal:
The unified kingdoms promoted one flag, one constitution, a common market and nationwide institutions (army, bureaucracy, schools). This made the nation-state the accepted model of modern legitimacy, displacing dynastic or imperial claims.
3. Cultural nation-building:
Standardised language, national histories, public rituals and monuments spread civic identity. German Kultur/"Volk" traditions and Italian patriotic culture (Risorgimento) provided templates for cultural nationalism elsewhere.
4. Change in European power balance:
A strong German Empire and a consolidated Italy altered diplomacy, weakened old empires (Austrian/Habsburg, Ottoman) and emboldened nationalist politics in Central/Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
5. Economic integration feeding nationalism:
Customs unions (e.g., German Zollverein) and unified markets linked prosperity with national unity; other regions sought similar integration to overcome petty princely barriers.
6. Ambivalent legacy—assertive nationalism:
While unification advanced liberal-national goals, it also fostered militarism and competitive nationalism, contributing to tense alliances and, eventually, the conflicts of the early 20th century.
Exam-ready condensation (any three):
(i) Provided a successful model of unification; (ii) established the nation-state ideal with common institutions; (iii) shifted power and encouraged other national movements; (iv) promoted cultural–economic integration, though also encouraged aggressive nationalism.