Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows: Like Germany, Italy too had a long history of political fragmentation. Italians were scattered over several dynastic states as well as the multi-national Habsburg Empire. During the middle of the nineteenth century, Italy was divided into seven states, of which only one, Sardinia-Piedmont, was ruled by an Italian princely house. The north was under Austrian Habsburgs, the centre was ruled by the Pope and the southern regions were under the domination of the Bourbon kings of Spain. Even the Italian language had not acquired one common form and still had many regional and local variations. During the 1830s, Giuseppe Mazzini had sought to put together a coherent programme for a unitary Italian Republic. He had also formed a secret society called Young Italy for the dissemination of his goals. The failure of revolutionary uprisings both in 1831 and 1848 meant that the mantle now fell on Sardinia-Piedmont under its ruler King Victor Emmanuel II to unify the Italian states through war. In the eyes of the ruling elites of this region, a unified Italy offered them the possibility of economic development and political dominance. Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option. 23.1 Which of the following statements correctly describes the long history of political fragmentation of Italy? (1) A. The Italian language had not acquired one common form and still had many regional and local variations. B. The failure of revolutionary uprisings C. Italy was ruled by the multi-national Habsburg Empire for long. D. The Italian population was illiterate and unaware of liberal nationalist ideology. 23.2 Identify the reason behind the unification of Italy. (1) A. The wealthy and educated members of the Italian elite wanted Italy to be unified. B. Unified Italy offered possibility of economic development and political dominance. C. It would boost many regional and local variations of Italian language. D. Habsburg Empire had been financially weakened. 23.3 How did the responsibility of unifying Italy fall on Victor Emmanuel II? (1) A. Tactful diplomatic alliance with France engineered by Cavour. B. Joining of armed volunteers under the leadership of Giuseppe Garibaldi. C. Chief Minister Cavour who led the movement was neither a revolutionary nor a democrat. D. The failure of revolutionary uprisings of 1831 and 1848 led by Giuseppe Mazzini 23.4 For which of the following reasons was the secret society like Young Italy founded? (1) A Unification of Germany B Unification of Italy C Proclaim Victor Emmanuel II as the king of Italy D To support the multi-national Habsburg Empire.
Answers
Explanation:
23.1 = (a)
23.2 = (a)
23.3 = (d)
23.4 = (b)
According to the passage, the answer to the given questions will be:
1) option a- The statement: The Italian language had not acquired one common form and still had many regional and local variations describes the long history of political fragmentation of Italy.
2) option a - The wealthy and educated members of the Italian elite wanted Italy to be unified.
3) option d - The failure of revolutionary uprisings of 1831 and 1848 led by Giuseppe Mazzini
4) option b - Unification of Italy
( Note: the best strategy to solve the unseen passages is first to read the questions and then read the passage so that we focus more on the areas where we can find their answers. It is suggested to highlight or underline that part for your help.)