Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Italian and German Unification: Review

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a clear understanding of the main objectives of the lesson. By defining these objectives, students will know exactly what knowledge and skills they need to acquire. This stage will also help focus the lesson on the most important points, ensuring that the explanation and examples provided will be relevant and centered on the expected outcomes.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the historical context that led to the unification of the Italian and German States in the 19th century.

2. Analyze the main historical figures and events that contributed to the Italian and German unifications.

3. Identify and describe the political and territorial changes that occurred after the unification of both States.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to situate students in the historical and political context of the 19th century, providing a solid foundation for understanding the processes of Italian and German unification. By presenting the initial context and curiosities, the goal is to ignite students' interest and connect the lesson topic with relevant and interesting aspects of their lives and the current world. This introduction aims to create an engaging learning environment and prepare them for a deeper understanding of the historical events and figures that will be discussed.

Context

Context: In the 19th century, Europe underwent significant political and social transformations that changed the territorial configuration of the continent. Two of the most significant processes were the Italian Unification and the German Unification. Italy, fragmented into small States and dominated by foreign powers such as Austria, fought for independence and unification under a single banner. On the other hand, Germany was composed of a confederation of independent States, led by Prussia and Austria, which sought to unify to form a strong and cohesive nation. The unification of these countries not only changed the political map of Europe but also deeply influenced the economy, culture, and society of the time.

Curiosities

Curiosity: Did you know that before unification, Italy was a mosaic of kingdoms, duchies, and Papal States? And that the famous city-state of Venice, with its canals and gondolas, was part of the Austrian Empire? Unification profoundly transformed these local realities, creating the foundations for what we now know as modern Italy. Similarly, prior to unification, Germany was composed of 39 independent States, each with its own laws and currencies. The unification allowed for the creation of a unified internal market, promoting the country's economic and industrial development.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' knowledge about the processes of Italian and German unification, highlighting key historical events and figures. Through a detailed and targeted explanation, students will gain a better understanding of the contexts and consequences of these unifications. The proposed questions aim to consolidate learning and encourage critical reflection on the topic.

Covered Topics

1. The Italian Unification Process: Explain the main events and historical figures that contributed to the unification of Italy. Highlight the importance of figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi, Camillo di Cavour, and King Victor Emmanuel II. Detail crucial events like the Expedition of the Thousand and the Wars of Independence. 2. The German Unification Process: Describe the central events and historical figures for the German unification. Emphasize Otto von Bismarck's role, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. Explain how Prussian leadership was fundamental to the unification of the German States. 3. Consequences of Unification: Analyze the political and territorial changes that occurred after the unification of Italy and Germany. Discuss the impact on the economy, society, and culture of both countries. Mention the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 and the German Empire in 1871 and their long-term implications.

Classroom Questions

1. What were the main strategies used by Otto von Bismarck to achieve German unification? 2. How did Giuseppe Garibaldi's actions contribute to the unification of Italy? 3. What were the main political and economic consequences of the Italian and German unifications for 19th-century Europe?

Questions Discussion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate student learning by reviewing and discussing key issues raised during the lesson in detail. This allows students to reflect on the content, assess their own understandings, and deepen their comprehension through active engagement and the exchange of ideas. Discussion and engagement encourage active participation and help clarify any lingering doubts.

Discussion

• Main strategies of Otto von Bismarck: Bismarck used a 'Realpolitik' policy, focusing on pragmatism and efficiency. He promoted strategic alliances and engaged in calculated wars, such as the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Through diplomacy and military strength, he managed to isolate Austria and unify the German States under Prussian leadership.

• Actions of Giuseppe Garibaldi: Garibaldi was a charismatic military leader who commanded the 'Expedition of the Thousand' in 1860, a military campaign that resulted in the conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. His ability to mobilize volunteers and his nationalist fervor were key to unification. He handed over the conquered territories to King Victor Emmanuel II, facilitating Italy's unification.

• Political and economic consequences: The unification of both countries resulted in significant changes. Politically, Italy and Germany became nation-states with centralized governments. Economically, German unification led to the creation of a unified internal market, promoting industrialization and economic growth. In Italy, unification spurred infrastructure development and economic modernization. These changes also reconfigured the balance of power in Europe, contributing to tensions that would culminate in World War I.

Student Engagement

1. What was the impact of Italian and German unification on the balance of power in Europe? 2. How did unification influence national identity and culture in both countries? 3. How did Otto von Bismarck's strategies differ from Giuseppe Garibaldi's actions? 4. What were the main difficulties faced during the processes of unification? 5. How did the unification of these countries influence Europe's foreign policy at the end of the 19th century?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning by recapping the main points addressed during the lesson and reinforcing students' understanding. This stage also aims to connect theory with practice, demonstrating the relevance and applications of the studied content. By the end of the lesson, students should feel confident in their understanding and capable of reflecting on the historical and current importance of the topic.

Summary

• Understanding the historical context that led to the unification of the Italian and German States in the 19th century.
• Key historical figures involved, such as Giuseppe Garibaldi, Camillo di Cavour, Victor Emmanuel II, and Otto von Bismarck.
• Crucial events like the Expedition of the Thousand, the Wars of Independence in Italy, and the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War in Germany.
• Political and territorial consequences of the unifications, including the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 and the German Empire in 1871.
• Economic and social impacts of the unifications, such as the creation of unified internal markets and industrial development.

The lesson connected theory with practice by explaining how the political and military strategies of figures like Otto von Bismarck and Giuseppe Garibaldi led to the unification of the States, directly influencing the political and economic configuration of Europe in the 19th century. Historical examples and analysis of territorial changes helped contextualize the theory with concrete events and their practical repercussions.

The topic presented is relevant to students' daily lives as it helps understand the historical roots of modern Europe and the origins of contemporary nation-states. The Italian and German unifications shaped European and global politics, influencing even national identity, international policies, and the balance of power that still has consequences today. Curiosities about the transformation of small kingdoms into unified nations illustrate the importance of these historical processes.