Cavour and Garibaldi in Italian Unification
Compare and contrast the roles of Cavour and Garibaldi in Italian Unification between 1852 and 1861
It is undeniable that both Camillo de Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi both played integral roles in the unification of Italy. These men dedicated their lives to the creation of one cultural and political entity. They also made many great strides towards this unification that very well may have not happened, or at least would not have happened in the same way, if they had not existed. Yet despite this common aim, it is remarkable how much these men differed in their actions and strategies. At times the nature of the actions of these men were so greatly different that they hindered the road to unification. Cavour and Garibaldi, although both dedicated to and aiming for Italian Unification, differed greatly in their methods and actions. The changes in Europe in the 19th century, including those a great as Italian Unification, were greatly catalyzed by the brilliance of the political insight of those elite members of society. This included that of Cavour. As a master of foreign policy he also had a deep understanding of the relationship between national and international events. With this understanding and his political skills, he was able to manipulate foreign policy to support unification. He used his international power and alliances to achieve his domestic goals. For example, he allied with France and Prussia when he felt it necessary. Cavour also had credibility as a monarch which no doubt helped facilitate his political power. Cavour was also a realist which can be seen in his political practices, specifically that of Realpolitik. This was the idea that politics must be conducted by realistic assessments of power and the self interest of individual nation states. Cavour exactly utilized this notion. He had the upper hand in international politics which Garibaldi would never achieve. Cavour was largely responsible for many of the political
It is undeniable that both Camillo de Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi both played integral roles in the unification of Italy. These men dedicated their lives to the creation of one cultural and political entity. They also made many great strides towards this unification that very well may have not happened, or at least would not have happened in the same way, if they had not existed. Yet despite this common aim, it is remarkable how much these men differed in their actions and strategies. At times the nature of the actions of these men were so greatly different that they hindered the road to unification. Cavour and Garibaldi, although both dedicated to and aiming for Italian Unification, differed greatly in their methods and actions. The changes in Europe in the 19th century, including those a great as Italian Unification, were greatly catalyzed by the brilliance of the political insight of those elite members of society. This included that of Cavour. As a master of foreign policy he also had a deep understanding of the relationship between national and international events. With this understanding and his political skills, he was able to manipulate foreign policy to support unification. He used his international power and alliances to achieve his domestic goals. For example, he allied with France and Prussia when he felt it necessary. Cavour also had credibility as a monarch which no doubt helped facilitate his political power. Cavour was also a realist which can be seen in his political practices, specifically that of Realpolitik. This was the idea that politics must be conducted by realistic assessments of power and the self interest of individual nation states. Cavour exactly utilized this notion. He had the upper hand in international politics which Garibaldi would never achieve. Cavour was largely responsible for many of the political