Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.3op5a.HL.TZ0.3 |
Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (Aspects of the history of Europe and the Middle East) - last exams 2016) | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | To what extent | Question number | 3 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
To what extent did Mazzini’s ideology contribute to Italian unification?
Markscheme
The focus must be on the importance of Mazzini’s Republican ideology in the unification of Italy. Candidates are required to show an understanding of what this ideology was and the extent to which it inspired other leaders in the unification process. Other factors leading to unification could also be examined such as the roles of Cavour and Garibaldi; however, the main focus of responses should be Mazzini’s ideological contribution to unification.
Indicative content
- Mazzini believed in a united Republican Italy, as such, he founded Young Italy in 1832. He was linked to various Italian nationalist rebellions before and after his time as a Triumvir of the ill-fated Roman Republic of 1849.
- Even after the Piedmontese-led unification of Italy, completed with the addition of Venetia in 1866 and Rome in 1870, Mazzini remained critical, disliking the role of the House of Savoy and even agreeing to lead a Republican rebellion in Sicily as late as 1870.
- Some candidates may argue that Mazzini’s ideology was of very limited significance. They may stress instead the importance of Cavour’s domestic reforms in Piedmont to make it the leading liberal Italian state and his astute foreign policy, such as his actions during the Crimean War and the Plombières Agreement.
- Others may underline the role of Garibaldi’s military campaigns in the south in 1860 and his willingness to hand his conquests to King Victor Emmanuel II.
- Some candidates may also, or alternatively, stress the role of foreign powers in achieving unification, especially France under Napoleon III.
- Finally, candidates could argue that Mazzini’s ideas, while of limited practical importance, did play a significant role in inspiring others, especially Garibaldi and his followers. Perhaps the fear of a united Republican Italy also helped make a united monarchical Italy more acceptable.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
[20 marks]