Modern Italian history has revolved around the Risorgimento of the nineteenth century. Until the completion of national unification, the means by which Italy would be unified was a major issue for liberals and nationalists. After unification, politicians, historians, and political commentators of all sorts examined the process of unification to illustrate the glories of their contemporary society or to explain its failures. 

In Italian, risorgimento literally means resurgence. But the historical sense is one of rebirth. But of what? Its champions variously hoped for independence from foreign rule, the development of national self-consciousness, national unity, a renewal of morality in government, and eventual national greatness. It is clear that the Risorgimento led to national unification. It led, but only slowly, to a national identity. The other goals were only incompletely or intermittently achieved by the end of the twentieth century. 

The process of national unification which was basically completed by 1870 was clearly a major part of the Risorgimento. But it did not necessarily bring it to a conclusion. Indeed, historians have as much difficulty finding an end to the process as they do a beginning. 

In thinking about the Risorgimento two facts should be borne in mind. 

First, during the period stretching from the 1830s to 1870, most Italians did not concern themselves with the national question. The vast majority of Italians were peasants. Illiterate and ignorant of political ideas, they concentrated on wringing a subsistence from the land they tilled. Many of those who did have the preparation and interest to consider politics devoted their attention to their own village, city, or state. 

Secondly, among those who participated in the Risorgimento, there was little agreement about what should be done, when, and by whom. 

Among those involved in these debates, Giuseppe Mazzini was clearly the best known.. His energy in writing and organizing were outstanding. His passionate devotion to the national cause was infectious. Through his efforts, an increasing number of educated Italians began to dream of a united Italy. It is appropriate, then, to take a close look at some of  his ideas. We will discuss these in the first class in this unit. 

Revolution once again broke out in Italy in 1848. It spread to France, the Germanies, and the Austrian Empire. Metternich was forced to flee. Mazzini played an important role in the revolutionary events in Rome.  The results of these exciting and promising days, however, worked to discredit his ideas. This will be the subject for our activities during the second half of this week.