1870

Definition

The year 1870 marks a significant turning point in the unification of Italy, as it saw the final stages of the Risorgimento, the movement that led to the unification of various Italian states into a single nation. This year is particularly important because it resulted in the capture of Rome, which became the capital of the newly unified Italy. The events of 1870 symbolized the culmination of efforts by key figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour, who played essential roles in the political and military struggles for Italian unity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In September 1870, Italian troops invaded the Papal States, leading to the fall of Rome and its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.
2. The capture of Rome effectively completed the unification process, allowing Italy to emerge as a fully united nation-state.
3. Rome was officially proclaimed as the capital of Italy on July 2, 1871, following its annexation in 1870.
4. The unification movement faced opposition from various quarters, including those loyal to the Pope and different regional interests within Italy.
5. The events surrounding 1870 not only reshaped Italy but also influenced political developments throughout Europe, affecting relations between church and state.

Review Questions

• How did the events of 1870 contribute to the overall process of Italian unification?
  • The events of 1870 were pivotal for Italian unification because they marked the successful invasion and annexation of Rome, which had been one of the last strongholds preventing a unified Italy. This action solidified the territorial integrity of the new Italian state and completed the objectives set forth by nationalist leaders. By capturing Rome, Italy not only gained its historical capital but also eliminated Papal rule over significant territories, which was essential for establishing a centralized government.
• Discuss the significance of Rome's capture in 1870 for both Italian national identity and European politics at that time.
  • The capture of Rome in 1870 was crucial for fostering a sense of national identity among Italians as it symbolized unity and independence from foreign and ecclesiastical control. It provided a central location for governance and cultural pride, which helped solidify Italian nationalism. Additionally, this event had broader implications for European politics as it challenged established power dynamics, particularly concerning the role of religion in governance, thereby influencing similar movements in other nations.
• Evaluate how the unification of Italy in 1870 affected relationships between Italy and other European powers, particularly regarding Papal authority.
  • The unification of Italy in 1870 significantly altered relationships between Italy and other European powers by diminishing the temporal power of the Papacy and altering traditional alliances. With Rome's annexation, Italy no longer recognized Papal sovereignty over territories within its borders, which led to tensions with Catholic nations like France. The decline in Papal authority also encouraged secular governance across Europe, challenging monarchies and contributing to shifts in diplomatic relations as newly unified nations sought to establish their own identities separate from religious influence.

Related terms

Risorgimento:

The Italian nationalist movement that sought to unify Italy in the 19th century, leading to the establishment of a single Italian state.

Papal States:

A group of territories in central Italy that were under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope until their annexation by the Kingdom of Italy in 1870.

Garibaldi: Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and nationalist who played a key role in the unification of Italy through his military campaigns and leadership.