Ayisha siddiquiExplain the process of unification of Germany and Italy.
The unification of Germany and Italy took place in the 19th century and was driven by nationalism and the desire to bring together people who shared the same culture, language, and history.
Germany was divided into many small states. The most powerful among them was Prussia. The unification of Germany was led by Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia. He used a policy called “blood and iron,” which meant using war and military strength to unify the country. Bismarck fought three wars: against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870–71). These wars helped to unite the German states. In 1871, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was declared the Emperor of unified Germany at the Palace of Versailles.
Italy was also divided into several states, some controlled by foreign powers. The unification of Italy was led by three main leaders – Giuseppe Mazzini, Count Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Mazzini spread the idea of nationalism, Cavour united the northern states with the help of France, and Garibaldi led the military campaign in the south. By 1871, all parts of Italy were brought together, and Rome became the capital.
Thus, both countries became unified with the help of strong leadership and nationalist movements.
