The Extent to Which the Lack of Popular Support was the Main Reason for the Weakness of Italian Nationalism in the Period 1815-1848

The Extent to Which the Lack of Popular Support was the Main Reason for the Weakness of Italian Nationalism in the Period 1815-1848

Since the fall of the Roman Empire in the 6th century, Italy had been

a divided nation. The French had divided it into 11 independent states

and principalities prior to invasion in 1789. This meant that there

was little communication between the states and their rulers. However,

after the invasion of Italy by Napoleon the number of states was

reduced and the French legal code was introduced which allowed

improved communication and in turn a growth in the economy. This led

to greater hope of political progress within the minds of the

aristocracy and middle class. However, 90% of the population were

peasants, many of which were illiterate. This meant that most of the

population were only interested in their small villages and daily

struggle for survival. As a result there was little enthusiasm for

challenging the French or Austrian ruler. Within those who were

educated, the lack of freedom and liberty was unacceptable and they

were prepared to fight for political freedom. It was this middle class

group which led a movement for change and although their goal was not

a united Italy, it was one which strode in a path towards it. A lack

of numbers united in a sole aim of nationalism, along with the problem

of vast distances between them, meant that they were particularly

weak. There were also other factors which led to their failure in the

early part of the 19th century.

In the period between 1815 and 1848 Italy was divided in several ways.

Firstly, the country was divided into 11 states each having their own

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... intervention of Austria in the day-to-day running of the country meant

that a close watch was kept on any attempt of revolution.

In conclusion, it can be seen that there were a range of factors which

brought about a lack in popular support for a united Italy. It can

also be seen that the main reason for a weakness in the nationalist

movement was a divided Italy without a combined force to bring about

change. To a certain extent lack of popular support hindered the

progress of nationalism, however the cause of this was rooted to

geographical, economic, social, linguistic and political factors.

Popular support alone could not have been a remedy for all other

barriers. Although a lack of popular support was one of the main

weaknesses, it also included the fact that there was little unified

support over similar aims.