Final answer:
The unification processes of Italy and Germany differed, with Italy experiencing a series of uprisings leading to a protracted struggle for unification, whereas Germany’s unification was more strategically accomplished through wars and diplomacy under Bismarck's leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences in Unification Processes of Italy and Germany
The processes of unification in Italy and Germany, from the 18th to the late 20th century, differed notably. In fact, the correct answer to how these processes differed is b) Italy and Germany faced different challenges in their unification. While both nations were influenced by the waves of nationalism and had to contend with existing regional divisions, the paths and outcomes for Italy and Germany were distinct.
For Italy, the path to unification began with a series of uprisings and revolts characterized by the desire to overthrow the control of the Austrian Empire and the Catholic Church. The process was spearheaded by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour, unfolding in a protracted struggle that culminated in the eventual unification of various Italian states by 1871.
In contrast, Germany's unification under Otto von Bismarck was more strategically orchestrated through diplomatic means and decisive wars, like the Franco-Prussian War, which concluded with the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871. Bismarck's 'realpolitik' and the Prussian military strength played crucial roles in quickly transforming Germany into a unified, industrial nation-state with significant political and military power.
Subsequent to their unifications, both Italy and Germany faced their own internal and external challenges, experiencing the impacts of their newfound national identities in different ways. Germany's swift rise as an industrial and military force significantly shifted the balance of power in Europe, whereas Italy's later industrialization and internal divisions presented unique obstacles for the nation.