Brochures on Italian Nationalism, 1859

Abstract

Italy was a perfect setting for testing Napoleon III’s theory of nationalities. Despite many setbacks, the Italian drive for unity had not died. The year 1848 saw the first real attempt to drive Austria from the Peninsula, but the effort failed when Austrian power crushed the Italians and the pope withdrew his support. But failure did not mean destruction of the dream. A new phase of the movement started in the close Franco-Sardinian relations during the Crimean War. Cavour, an able and astute statesman, led his country to war against Russia and, by co-operating with the great powers, had the opportunity to voice his aspirations for Italy and to air his grievances at the Congress of Paris in 1856. Nothing was done for Italy, but recognition was given to her complaints.