Thus, German nationalism and the German nation-state came into being, an entity that existed well into the 19th century. Similarly, the nation of Italy was highly influenced by the events of the French Revolution of 1789 and the outbreak of war between France and Austria in 1793. During this time, a number of important changes occurred within Italy, most of which like Germany were filled with violence and destruction, all in the name of nationalism and national sovereignty. Following Napoleon's military triumphs in late 1796, various northern Italian cities attempted to organize themselves into republics, cities like Bologna, Milan and Genoa, but with the Peace of Campo Formio with Austria in 1797, France gained control of all northern Italy with the exception of Venice which experienced the collapse of its independence and liberty.

Under the influence of Napoleon and his generals, much of Italy was re-structured into a form of republicanism, but in 1799, Austrian and Russian armies, along with peasants and some members of the clergy, drove the French out of Italy, but by 1800, Napoleon had defeated the Austrians and recaptured most of northern Italy. However, this particular political order did not last long, for after the fall of Napoleon in 1815, the Congress of Vienna restored the old order which...

Most crucial was the development of the foundation for the nationalistic Italian middle class, most closely affiliated with such figures as Luigi Zamboni and Emmanuel de Deo. At this time, two aspects became very clear to the Italian people, namely, that foreign domination was nearing its climax and that a great movement toward nationalism was well underway.
In the early years of the 19th century, Italian nationalism reached its apex through the unification of the country and the establishment of the modern state of Italy. This period has come to be known as risorgimento or "the awakening" which now refers to the development of a national consciousness. However, due to the effects and influence of the Congress of Vienna, Italian nationalism seemed a very remote possibility, but with the ascendancy of Guiseppe Mazzini who is now considered as the father of the Italian nation, the concept of risorgimento took on new meaning and brought the idea of a united Italy onto the political and social…