Evaluate the problems facing the Italian Government in 1871?

Question 1

Economic/Social

Answer 1

Andrea Manzella: 20% of Italian farmers had access to credit

—> Italy heavily in debt in 1860 (1.4 billion in debt to be exact)

—> The tax problem – Southern Italy v poor (442$ GDP per capita) + agricultural productivity is low (80%)

—>But Piedmont taxed it anyways à Attack on tax collectors screaming ‘long live the pope’ called the Brigands War

—> Contemporary account: “ we entered the taxon and immediately began shooting”

—> 1860 (75% illiterate) à (BUT free education for Children aged 6-13)

Question 2

Perspectives on Economic factors?

Answer 2

According to estimates from economic historians, Italy’s GDP per capita in 1871 was around $850 (in 1990 international dollars).

While this was relatively low compared to other European countries, it represented a significant increase from earlier periods of Italian history.

For example, in 1861, just prior to Italian unification, Italy’s GDP per capita was estimated to be around $700, indicating a modest improvement in economic conditions in the decade following unification.

Question 3

National Identity

Answer 3

Little spontaneous National feeling (Sicily hoped for different outcomes)

—> Diversity of cultures, languages and cannons made it difficult to be united
—> South not industrialised whereas North very industrialised (relatively)
—> Lombardy 1000 km vs Mezzogiorno had only 150 km

2.5% of all people spoke Tuscan Italian

1865 Elections: In the 1865 general election, the Historical Right (Destra Storica) won a majority of votes in the northern regions of Lombardy,

Piedmont, and Veneto. The Historical Left (Sinistra Storica), on the other hand, won a majority of votes in the southern regions of Campania, Calabria, and Sicily.