Unification of Germany, Italy, and Britain Class 10 is an important part of Chapter 1: Rise of Nationalism in Europe. This section brings together all the threads of nationalism — from revolution to real political change — as we see how these powerful nations were unified through war, diplomacy, and people’s movements. If you missed Part 4 – Romantic Imagination and National Feeling, make sure to revise it before diving into this important part.
Easy and Quick Notes
Chapter – 1: Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Part – 5
Unification of Germany
- Before unification, Germany was divided into 39 states (Empire)
- First failed attempt of unification – In 1848 Frankfurt Parliament
- After Frankfurt Parliament – Leader state of unification was Prussia
- Chief Architect – Otto von Bismarck
- Bismarck carried out the process with the help of Prussian army and bureaucracy
- The unification process was completed with three wars over seven years – with Austria, Denmark and France
- Wars ended in Prussian victory
- Unification took place – 18 January 1871
- Head after unification – Prussian King Kaiser William I
- Ceremony held at – Palace of Versailles
- Changes after unification – modernising the currency, banking, legal and judicial systems
Unification of Italy
- Before unification, Italy was divided into 7 states
- State ruled by Italian princely house – Sardinia-Piedmont
- Efforts made by Giuseppe Mazzini – to make a Unitary Italian Republic
- He had formed two secret societies – Young Italy and Young Europe
- Both uprisings (in 1831 and 1848) were failed
- After 1848 – the responsibility to unify Italian states passed to Sardinia-Piedmont under King Victor Emmanuel II
- The entire movement of unification was led by – Chief Minister Cavour
- He was neither a revolutionary nor a diplomat
- He spoke French much better than Italian
- He used diplomatic alliances and was to unify Italy
- Under his leadership, Sardinia-Piedmont succeeded in defeating the Austrian forces in 1859
- Along with the army, many volunteers also joined the movement under the leadership of Giuseppe Garibaldi
- They were called Red Shirts
- In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed as the King of United Italy
Unification of Britain
- Prior to eighteenth century, there was no British Nation
- Unification of Britain was a result of a long drawn out process
- Primarily there were three ethnic groups in British Isles – English, Welsh, Scots or Irish
- They had their own cultural and political traditions
- As English nation grew in wealth, importance and power, it was able to extend its influence over the other nations of islands
- The English Parliament took control from the monarchy in 1688 and gradually became the main force behind building a unified nation state
- In 1707, the Act of Union was passed and resulted into unification of England and Scotland
- With this, United Kingdom of Great Britain was formed
- In effect, it meant that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland
- Scotland’s unique culture and political identity were slowly erased through government measures
- Scottish were forbidden to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress
- In Ireland, the English helped the Protestants to establish their dominance over a largely Catholic country
- After a failed revolt led by Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen (1798), Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801
Changes after Unification of Britain
- Symbol of new Britain – The British flag, the national anthem, and the English language were actively promoted
Below are some important questions based on this topic. You can also explore more in our Class 10 History Question Answer Series for exam-focused practice.
Q. Who is called the architect of German unification?
A. Otto von Bismarck is called the architect of German unification for leading the process through military and diplomacy.
Q. Who advocated the Blood and Iron policy?
A. Otto von Bismarck advocated the Blood and Iron policy to achieve unification through war.
Q. Who was proclaimed German Emperor after its unification?
A. King William I of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor in 1871.
Q. Who was described as ‘the most dangerous enemy of social order’ by Duke Metternich?
A. Giuseppe Mazzini was described as the most dangerous enemy of social order due to his revolutionary ideas.
Q. Name the secret societies formed by Giuseppe Mazzini.
A. Giuseppe Mazzini formed secret societies like Young Italy and Young Europe to spread nationalism.
Q. Who was called the Bismarck of Italy?
A. Cavour was called the Bismarck of Italy for his role in unifying the country through diplomacy.
Q. Who was proclaimed the first king of united Italy?
A. Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the first king of united Italy in 1861.
Q. Under which Act or Treaty were England and Scotland united under the name of United Kingdom of Great Britain?
A. The Act of Union, 1707 united England and Scotland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
The journey from fragmented kingdoms to unified nations shaped the political map of modern Europe. Understanding these events not only prepares you for exams but also helps you connect the past with the present. For more such helpful notes and updates, visit our main hub at CBSE Notes Hub.
