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The United States in the Political Thought and Imagination of the Risorgimento

Caleb Long

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Published in America In Italy: The United States In The Political Thought And Imagination Of The Risorgimento 1763 1865

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The Risorgimento, the Italian unification movement of the 19th century, was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It was driven by a variety of factors, including nationalism, liberalism, and republicanism. The United States played a significant role in shaping the political thought and imagination of the Risorgimento.

America in Italy: The United States in the Political Thought and Imagination of the Risorgimento, 1763–1865

by John Foran

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The Influence of the American Revolution

The American Revolution was a major source of inspiration for the Risorgimento. The American colonists' successful struggle for independence from Great Britain showed that it was possible to overthrow a monarchy and establish a republic. The American Revolution also provided a model for a constitutional government based on the principles of popular sovereignty and limited government.

The Influence of American Political Thought

The political thought of the American Revolutionaries also had a profound influence on the Risorgimento. Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, in particular, was a powerful statement of the natural rights of man and the right to self-government. These ideas were embraced by many Italian nationalists who saw them as a justification for their own struggle for independence from foreign rule.

The Influence of American Institutions

The American institutions of government also served as a model for the Risorgimento. The United States Constitution, with its system of checks and balances and its Bill of Rights, was seen as a model for a modern, democratic government. The American system of federalism was also seen as a way to accommodate the diverse regional interests of Italy.

The Influence of American Foreign Policy

The United States' foreign policy also had an impact on the Risorgimento. The United States' support for the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s and for the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 showed that the United States was willing to support the cause of national liberation. This support gave hope to Italian nationalists who were struggling for their own independence.

The Impact of the Risorgimento on the United States

The Risorgimento also had a significant impact on the United States. The Italian struggle for independence inspired many Americans who were struggling for their own freedom from slavery. The American Civil War was fought, in part, to ensure that the United States would remain a unified nation. The Risorgimento also helped to strengthen the ties between the United States and Italy.

The United States played a significant role in shaping the political thought and imagination of the Risorgimento. The American Revolution, American political thought, American institutions, and American foreign policy all had a profound impact on the Italian unification movement. The Risorgimento, in turn, had a significant impact on the United States, inspiring Americans who were struggling for their own freedom and strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The United States In The Political Thought And Imagination Of The Risorgimento America In Italy: The United States In The Political Thought And Imagination Of The Risorgimento 1763 1865