Major European Borders in 1882
History Behind the Major Border Changes
Birth of a Unified German State
In the year 1815 the German Confederation was established. At that time, it was simply a very loose association of about 40 separate states. The purpose of these area was to serve as a buffer between the more influential states of Austria and Prussia. It wasn’t until 1862 that Germany became one unified state. Britain was in favor of the establishment of this German state because it believed that Europe was in need for another stable and peaceful nation in central Europe. The state was also established in order to slow down the aggressive moves of expansion by Russia and France.
Establishment of Italy as a New Nation
Italy officially became a nation-state in the year 1861, when most of the states of the peninsula were united under King Victor Emmanuel II. A large factor behind the rise of Italy was the 1866 Prussian Prime offer to Victor Emmanuel II. This offer was one of alliance between Italy and Prussia in Prussia’s war against the Austrians. In exchange for Italy’s aid, Prussia would allow Italy to gain control over the then Austrian-controlled Venice. King Emmanuel agreed to the alliance, which directly led to the Third Italian War of Independence. The Prussians and Italians proved victorious over the Austrians, which allowed Italy to seize control of Venice.
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After the capture of Venice, the only obstacle that stood in the way of Italian unity was Rome. At the time, France was in occupation of Rome. In 1870 however, France started its war against the Prussians, and in doing so, brought most of its French soldiers back to France from Rome. Seizing the opportunity, Italy invaded Rome, and took over control of the Papal State. As a result of this, Italian unification had been achieved, and the capital of Italy was moved from Florence to Rome.
Rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a union between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary that lasted from the year 1867 until 1918. The union became official because of the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. The empire was controlled by two separate monarchies up until 1867. It wasn’t until the reforms in 1867 that both Austria and Hungary became co-equal sates however. Despite this, all governmental functions and bodies were completely divided between the two states.
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Around the end of the 19th century, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the world’s largest and most influential powers, as it was geographically the 2nd biggest country in Europe (second only to the Russian Empire).
Background of Major National Figures
Politician Giuseppe Mazzini was born in 1805, and proved to be a large political figure behind the unification movement in Italy in the 19th century, and was responsible for spearheading the Italian revolutionary movement. Mazzi helped establish the independence and unification of Italy. He helped turn a state that was simply a conglomeration of foreign controlled states into one state that was unified under a single governmental body. His political thoughts were also extremely influential in the formation of the Italy’s Constitution. Mazzini died on March 10th, 1872.
Giuseppe Mazzini, Spearheading Italian Politician behind the Unification of Italy
William I was both the King of Prussia (1861-1888) and the 1st German Emperor (1871-1888), as well as the 1st Head of State of the new unified state of Germany. It was under his leadership that the unification of Germany was achieved, and the German Empire was established.
Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Emperor
Franz Joseph I, King/Emperor of Austria-Hungary
Franz Joseph I was Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary starting from the year 1848 until his death in 1916. Franz Joseph was the longest-reigning Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, and was also the 3rd longest-ruling monarch of any country in all of Europe's history