The Italian Revolution

The Italian Revolution – Risorgimento – extremism is a blessing and a curse. The unification of Italy and Sicily was achieved by overthrowing not just one power in 1848, but four: the Hapsburgs, the Papacy, the House of Savoy and the Spanish Bourbons. The driving forces behind this were largely economic and political inequalities, which also spurred healthcare reform; collaboration for the cause was welcomed by all classes, regardless of socioeconomic status. These factors – as well as the religious and philosophical ideologies that contributed to the creation of present-day Italy and Sicily – will be explored in this lecture. – Anna Scrimenti, M.S.