Strategies used by German Leaders: In the 18th century, Germany was divided into a number of states namely Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, etc. As such, the pace of economic growth was very slow. With the rise of national consciousness the demand for a unified country of Germany became stronger in several states. In 1815 A.D. The German confederation alongwith Austria tried to organize themselves into a German state and their rulers were forced to grant democratic constitutions. To unite Germany and to frame a constitution for the United Germany a Constituent Assembly met at Frankfurt. This assembly proposed the unification of Germany under the King of Prussia. The King of Prussia, however, opposed the idea of becoming a constitutional monarch and declined the offer. Repression soon followed and thousands of German revolutionaries fled to live in exile. Thus ended the first phase of the unification of Germany.
Now, Germany was to be unified by the policy of blood and iron as was pursued by Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor. Bismarck tried to achieve his aim by dint of his military power and astute diplomacy. In 1864 A.D. he fought a war against Denmark and took control of Schleswig. In 1866 A.D., Prussia defeated Austria and annexed the territories of Hanover, Holstein, Luxembourg, Frankfurt etc. thereby dissolving the German confederation once for all. It paved the way for the subsequent unification of Germany.
In 1870 A.D., Prussia defeated France in another war and occupied Alsace and Lorraine. The impact of Prussia's impressive victories was so great that the other German states also joined the German confederation which recognised the Prussian King as its hereditary head.
Thus, as is clear from the above description, it was due to the dedicated efforts and shrewd policy of Bismarck that the unification of Germany was completed in 1870 A.D.
Strategies used by Italian Leader:
(a) Giuseppe Mazzini: He was a great revolutionary of Italy and he wanted unification of Italy through the movement. Young Italy was a revolutionary party, founded in 1832. Giusepee Mazzini enrolled more than fifty thousand dedicated members in this party. Its branches were set-up all over Italy. The main objectives of Young Italy was unification of Italy.
(b) Garibaldi: He was a great patriot, organizer and liberal of Italy. He organized a force named "Red Shirts". His forces defeated the powerful Austrian forces and liberated Naples and Sicily. After achieving his mission of Italy's liberation and unification, this selfless patriot took to the peaceful life of a peasant.
(c) Count Cavour: He was the Prime Minister of the King of Italy. He was a great administrator and able reformer. He made commercial treaties with other countries, promoted trade, agriculture and industry.
Cavour is popular in history for his praiseworthy work of the unification of Italy. In policy formation, he is known as "Bismarck (a great diplomat and maker of Germany) of Italy".
(d) Victor Emmanuel: Victor Emmanuel was the son of Charles Albert who belonged to the royal family of Savoy. He was regarded as the body of Italy. He annexed Venetia and Rome (The Papal territories). Thus, he completed the task of unification of Italy which was left incomplete by Cavour.
