History Extra podcast
The unification of Italy: everything you wanted to know
May 3, 2025
David Laven, a historian and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, dives into the thrilling narrative of Italy's unification. He tackles the complex identity of 'being Italian' in the 19th century and the multifaceted reactions from the papacy. Laven also shares why British women fell head over heels for Garibaldi and discusses the political struggles following unification, especially the unrest in southern Italy. The conversation reveals how regional identities continued to challenge national unity long after the kingdom was declared.
46:11
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Quick takeaways
- The Risorgimento was driven by key figures like Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Cavour, each representing different ideologies about Italian identity.
- Post-unification Italy struggled with regional tensions and economic disparities, revealing that the promise of unity often faltered in practice.
Deep dives
Understanding the Risorgimento
The Risorgimento refers to the social and political movements leading to the unification of Italy, occurring primarily from the early 19th century until 1870. This period marked a significant transformation for Italy, which had been fragmented into various states since the fall of the Roman Empire. The unification was spurred by increasing nationalism and a reaction to foreign dominance, particularly that of the Austrians. While the movement is often celebrated as a remarkable achievement, it also brought underlying regional tensions, as many Italians continued to identify more with their local regions than with a national identity.
