An assessment of the extent of the growth of nationalism in Italy, up to 1850

The Extent of the Growth of Nationalism in Italy, before 1850

Widespread discontent: Nationalist sentiment was not universal in Italy before 1850, but socio-economic divisions magnified by industrialisation and agricultural downturn led to more widespread discontent.
Urban versus rural areas: Nationalist feelings were stronger amongst the urban middle classes and intellectuals, while rural populations remained generally aloof from or indifferent to nationalism.

Common identity: The Romantic movement, celebrating Italian culture and language, helped to build a notion of shared identity encouraging some towards nationalism.
Prominent figures: Intellectuals such as Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Cavour greatly promoted nationalistic sentiments through their influential writings and charismatic appeals.

Inefficient rule: Foreign influence, especially from Austria, combined with inefficient governance systems across the peninsula, contributed substantially to the growth of nationalism.
Call for unity: The varied political systems stirred a desire for political unity and independence.

Anti-Austrian sentiment: Austrian governance in Lombardy-Venetia was not popular and its repressive measures led to a heightened sense of Italian national sentiment.
Revolutionary activity: The suppression of revolts by foreign powers led to further growth of nationalism, with many Italians seeing national unity as the path to freedom.

Significant progress: From 1815 to 1850, there had been a considerable growth in Italian nationalism due to socio-economic, cultural, and political factors especially amongst urban middle-class populations.
Still limited: However, by 1850, this was still a minority sentiment in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas and amongst the lower classes.
Fragmented geographically: Nationalist sentiment was not uniformly spread across Italy at this time — it was concentrated particularly in the northern regions and amongst the middle and upper classes.

Papal States’ failures: Decline of the Papal States’ authority, perceived as inefficient and corrupt, had eroded religious authority, aiding growth of nationalist sentiment.
Catholic Church’s role: Despite the decline of papal authority, the Catholic Church remained a powerful institution in Italy which could both bolster and resist nationalist aspirations, depending on circumstances.