Thesis: Nationalism, inspired by past Italian glories, arose in a divided Italy to demand an end to foreign occupation and the ultimate unification of the Italian peninsula. This nationalism is what inspired Gieuseppe Mazzin, a leading figure in the Risorgimento struggle for Italian nationhood, to create “Young Italy,”; a society dedicated to the cause of Italian unity through education and insurrection.
I. Aspects/Promises of Young Italy Membership Oath
A. Belief in the “law of Progress and Duty”
B. Belief that Italy is destined to become one unified nation
C. Convinced that Italy possesses sufficient strength within herself to become a united nation, and that the “ill success” of Italy’s former efforts is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of misdirection from the past revolutionary elements within the country.
II. Young Italy is Republican
A. Republican because, theoretically, every nation is destined by the law of God and humanity to form a free and equal community of brothers.
1. Republican government is believed to be the only one that can make certain of such a future
III. Means by which Young Italy planned to meet its aims
A. Education and insurrection
1. Education must ever be directed to teach by example, word, and pen the necessity of insurrection
2. Insurrection must be so conducted as to render it a means of national education
Insurrection – by means of guerilla bands – is the true method of warfare for all nations desirous of emancipating themselves from a foreign yoke.
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