Final answer:
Italy and Germany became unified nations in the late 19th century, with Italy's unification process beginning in 1861 and completing in 1871, and Germany forming its empire in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War. The unifications, fueled by nationalist ideologies, significantly impacted the European balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unification of Italy and Germany
The unification of Italy and Germany marked a pivotal moment in European history, as these regions evolved from being a collection of separate states and territories into unified nations. Italy commenced its path to unification in 1861, culminating in 1871 with the inclusion of Rome and Veneto, signaling the establishment of a single Italian nation-state. For Germany, the journey to unity was symbolized by the formation of the German Empire in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War, accelerating its rise as a dominant European power.
Both unifications were heavily influenced by the ideologies of nationalism and shared cultural heritage. The notion of nationalism, as promoted by prominent figures such as Giuseppe Mazzini for Italy and Otto von Bismarck for Germany, was integral to the consolidation of these regions into cohesive nations. Their unification significantly altered the balance of power in Europe, with Germany emerging as a particularly influential industrial, political, and military force.
While Italian unification brought together states previously under external dominance, such as the Austrian Empire and the Catholic Church, German unification dismantled the German Confederation, a collection of independent kingdoms and territories. It paved the way for an era characterized by jockeying for position among Europe's great powers, an arms race, and colonial ambition that eventually led to World War I.