A History of Italy 1700-1860
The Social Constraints of Political Change
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Book Description
First Published in 1979, A History of Italy 1700-1860 provides a comprehensive overview of Italy’s political history from 1700-1860. Divided in five parts it deals with themes like the re-emergence of Italy; Italy as the ‘pawn’ of European diplomacy; social physiognomy of the Italian states; problems of the government; enlightenment and despotism (1760-90); the offensive against the Church; revolution and moderation (1789-1814); revolution and the break with the past; rationalization and social conservatism; the search for independence (1815-47); legitimacy and conspiracy; alternative paths towards a new Italy; and the cost of independence (1848-61). It fills a major gap and presents a thoughtful and well-integrated political narrative of this complex period in Italy’s development. This book is an essential read for students and scholars of Italian history and European history.
Table of Contents
Preface Introduction: The Land and the people Part I: The Re-emergence of Italy 1700-60 1. Italy, the ‘pawn’ of European diplomacy 2. The social physiognomy of the Italian states 3. The problems of the government 4. The ‘new’ intellectuals Part II: Reform and Authority: Enlightenment and Despotism 1760-90 5. The years of collaboration: 1765-75 6. The offensive against the Church 7. The crisis of collaboration: 1775-90 8. Belated Collaboration: 1780-94 Part III: Revolution and Moderation 1789-1814 9. Revolution and the break with the past: 1789-99 10. Rationalization and social conservatism: 1800- 14 Part IV: The Search for Independence 1815-47 11. Legitimacy and Conspiracy: 1815-31 12. The society of Restoration Italy 13. Alternative paths towards a new Italy: 1831-48 Part V: The Cost of Independence 1848-61 14. The contradiction of revolution 1848-9 15. The compromises of diplomacy: 1850-61 16. Epilogue Glossary Bibliography Index
Author(s)
Biography
Stuart Woolf