How did nationalist movements in Germany and Italy respond to the Congress of Vienna settlement?
The Congress of Vienna settlement, which prioritized a balance of power and ignored the rising tide of nationalism, was viewed by many as an instrument of reaction, sparking decades of resistance in Germany and Italy.123
Germany
Nationalists, whose hopes for unity had grown during the Wars of Liberation, saw the new German Confederation as a tool for localism and traditionalism.14
* Student Activism: Patriotic groups known as Burschenschaften demanded national power and unity, famously demonstrating at the Wartburg in 1817.14
* Repression: In response to liberal agitation, Metternich orchestrated the Carlsbad Decrees in 1819, which introduced censorship and outlawed student groups.14
* Later Unrest: Following the July Revolution of 1830, radicals at Hambach Castle called for republican government and unification, leading to further crackdowns by the federal Diet.14
Italy
The settlement placed much of northern Italy under Austrian control, fueling deep-seated resentment.53
* Anti-Austrian Sentiment: Liberal hatred of Austria grew from the knowledge that Austrian intervention was the ultimate guarantee against constitutional reform.5
* Revolutionary Unrest: Provinces formerly part of the kingdom of Italy experienced constant revolutionary agitation. By 1848, these movements culminated in widespread revolts, though internal divisions and the military superiority of Radetzky ultimately led to the restoration of the 1815 order by 1849.56