Italy in the mid-19th century was a patchwork of states, with different parts controlled by foreign powers or ruled by the Pope. The quest for Italian unification, known as the Risorgimento, faced numerous obstacles. The events of 1848–49 marked a turning point in this movement, leading to a shift in strategy among Italian nationalists.
The Decline of Federalism and Republicanism
After the turbulent events of 1848–49, the political ideologies of federalism and republicanism lost their appeal as viable solutions for the Italian question—the issue of how to achieve the unification of Italy. The failure of these movements to gain widespread support or achieve their goals led to a reevaluation of the approach to Italian unification.
Pius XI’s Opposition to Unification
Pope Pius XI underwent a significant transformation from a reformer to a reactionary figure, which had profound implications for the unification process. His concerns about the establishment of a strong secular government threatened his spiritual authority and his standing with non-Italian nations. Consequently, Pius XI became an active opponent of unification, working to thwart any efforts that would diminish the power of the Papacy.
The Discrediting of Republicanism
Republicanism also lost its footing as a credible political option. The radical nature of republican ideals failed to resonate with the broader population. Moreover, the unsuccessful attempts by the republican leader Giuseppe Mazzini to establish a Roman Republic further discredited the movement, rendering it ineffective.
The Emergence of Piedmont-Sardinia as the Unifying Force
With federalism and republicanism sidelined, Italian nationalists began to coalesce around the idea of a constitutional kingdom under the leadership of the King of Sardinia-Piedmont. Several factors contributed to Piedmont-Sardinia’s emergence as the focal point for unification efforts:
1. Piedmont was the only Italian state that had never fallen under Austrian control, which made it a symbol of Italian independence and resistance.
2. The King of Piedmont represented the only native Italian dynasty, giving the state a legitimacy in the eyes of nationalists that other Italian rulers, often connected with foreign powers, lacked.
These factors positioned Piedmont-Sardinia as the natural leader in the movement to unify Italy, setting the stage for the next phase of the Risorgimento.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the transformation of Pope Pius XI’s political stance influence the course of the Italian unification movement?
2. In what ways did the failure of Mazzini’s Roman Republic contribute to the decline of republicanism in Italy?
3. Why was Piedmont-Sardinia considered a suitable nucleus for a unified Italy, as opposed to other Italian states?