What? The divided territories of the Italian peninsula coming together as one nation united by language, culture, geography and religion.
Where? Italy
When? 1860-1871
Who? Garibaldi, Mazzini and Cavour
Why? Throughout Europe people began to want to be ruled by members of their own nation as opposed to foreign kings.
How? Revolutions and popular movements.
Importance:
1) Italy is united as a new and powerful state in Southern Europe.
2) Nationalism has also caused great strife between groups and has been the cause of many wars.
3) The balance of power created by the 1815 Congress of Vienna is upset.
Associated Terms:1)Risorgimento, 2) Self-determination, 3) Nation, 6) Ethnic Group, 7) Sovereignty 8) Red Shirts, 9) Young Italy