european revolution essays

european revolution essays The revolutions that occurred in Europe in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century were brought about by both ideas of Enlightenment and the growing population throughout the continent. The many hardships that faced the people, of not only the middle and lower classes but also the nobles, made life during these times stressful and unruly. The revolutions that took place in these trying times were the first steps towards making European countries the way they are today. Two main revolutions that took place exemplified nationalism and brought countries together so that they could be more powerful against opposing nations. These significant countries were Italy and France. Throughout history, one can identify extreme pride in one's native land. The unification of Italy was based on nationalism. In the mid-eighteenth century, this idea was thought to be impossible, but thanks to people such as Count Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi, the people of Italy watched their dreams become a reality. Through rumored propaganda and spirit, Italy was converted into a unified nation. Count Camillo di Cavour was the prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia in 1852. The liberal, but pragmatic, Count Cavour succeeded in unifying Italy by combining skillful diplomacy with the service of regular armies. By forming an alliance with Napoleon III of France, Cavour persuaded the French that if the two countries were to unite against Austria-Hungary, then France could take possession of Southeast France and the Italians could double the size of the country by obtaining northern Italy. Giuseppe Garibaldi led nationalist soldiers to Sicily and recruited a corps of middle-class nationalists. With these men, he was able to unite many of Italy's provinces. Not shortly after his actions, the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 doubled the size of Italy when the Prussians relinquished Venice to Italy. Sometimes religion and common suffering are just what p...