Question

How do you appreciate the cavours role in unification of ltaly

Answer 1

He demonstrated the fact that "traditional autonomist feelings and inter-communal rivalries were still strong33". He had travelled only as far South as Tuscany and had no intentions of going any lower. Cavour's desire to create a Northern Kingdom of Italy can be seen in his reaction to Garibaldi's expedition to the South. The expedition had taken place despite Cavour's clear objection to the idea. "Cavour therefore did all he could, to prevent Garibaldi from setting out for Sicily34". Thus, Cavour's rebellious approach to Garibaldi's mission demonstrates his wish to reject the Southern states. Hence, the preceding evidence displays Cavour's belief that unification with the South would be futile and that only a conglomerate of the Northern states would flourish. In conclusion, it is clear to see that historians collectively seem to be confused with what Cavour desired first and foremost; the furthering of Piedmont as a state, the creation of a Northern Kingdom of Italy, or total unification. There are arguments suggesting that he was and was not dedicated to unification. Many believe that through his wish to create an Italy free from foreign influence, displayed within his journal 'Il Risorgimento', and his close relationship with France and Britain, Cavour revealed his desire for a united Italian Kingdom. However, the strongest argument remains; Cavour's poor relationship with Italian nationalists and his willingness to overlook the South in order to create a Northern Kingdom demonstrate Cavour's lack of dedication to the creation of Italy. He appeared only to shine to the idea of total unification once Garibaldi had succeeded in his expedition to the South and when public opinion seemed to be one of excitement towards the unification of Italy

Answer 2

To what extent was Count Camillo Benso di Cavour dedicated to the unification of Italy in the Period 1848 - 1961? It is suggested that the most notable achievement of Count Camille di Cavour was to preside over the unification of Italy in the period 1848-1861. It was a few weeks before his death, in 1860, that the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed after many centuries which had seen Italy divided into separate states. Together with others, such as Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel II, it is unquestionable that Cavour played a major role in the unification of Italy. Cavour's foreign policy (his relationship with both France and Britain) and his early career and beliefs make up the focal points of this argument. However, there is an issue of debate amongst historians that questions how dedicated Cavour was to total unification. Historians such as Mack Smith and Hearder, that question his dedication, express the view that Cavour was more interested in expelling foreign influence and creating a powerful, dominant Northern Kingdom of Italy shaped by Piedmont. They also concentrate on Cavour's poor relationship with other protagonists, such as Garibaldi and Mazzini, to further champion their belief. Those historians who suggest that Cavour's actions showed his dedication to the unification of Italy look at his early career and beliefs shown within 'Il Risorgimento'. Cavour, born in 1810, lived in the capital city of Piedmont, Turin. Before becoming Prime Minister in 1852, Cavour used his and Cesare Balbo's co-owned journal 'Il Risorgimento' to illustrate his ideas for a united Italy. Founded in 1847 after Charles Albert had freed the press from censorship, 'Il Risorgimento' allowed Cavour to publicise his political ideas for the future. Mack Smith states, "its programme was to champion liberal conservatism and moderate reform