The Unification of Italy in the nineteenth century was the unlikely result of a
lengthy and complex process of Italian 'revival' ('"Risorgimento'"). 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:
- The economic, social and religious contexts of Unification, as well as the
diplomatic and military aspects
- The roles of Cavour and Garibaldi and also the wider European influences,
particularly those of Britain and France
- The recent historiographical shift away from uncritical celebration