Italian Risorgimento

<p>The Unification of Italy in the nineteenth century was the unlikely result of a lengthy and complex process of Italian 'revival' ('<i>Risorgimento'</i>). Few Italians supported Unification and the new rulers of Italy were unable to resolve their disputes with the Catholic Church the local power-holders in the South and the peasantry. In this fascinating account Martin Clark examines these problems and considers: </p><p> </p><p>- The economic social and religious contexts of Unification as well as the diplomatic and military aspects </p><p>- The roles of Cavour and Garibaldi and also the wider European influences particularly those of Britain and France</p><p>- The recent historiographical shift away from uncritical celebration of the achievement of Italian unity.</p><p> </p><p>Did 'Italian Unification' mean anything more than traditional Piedmontese expansionism? Was it simply an aspect of European 'secularisation'? Did it involve 'state-building' or just repression? In exploring these questions and more Martin Clark offers the ideal introductory account for anyone wishing to understand how modern Italy was born. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b></b> </p><p> </p>