HISTORY PAPER 2

Study Sources A and B

1. How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using details of the
sources.

On the one hand, both sources have several highlighted points in common. The two if it
describes Mazzini’s beginnings, saying that he was born in Genoa in 1805 and that he was
part of the Carbonari group in his early stages. Moreover, they emphasize the creation of
Young Italy, a movement aimed to attract the youth in order to appeal many Italians to their
independence and unification. Sources A and B call this movement as one of the best
contributions Mazzini could ever reach towards the Italian Risorgimento. He managed to
reach consciousness between Italians, leading to the removal of Austria in their territory
and the pope’s power from the papal states. Also, to more awareness of the possibility of a
republic government.
On the other hand, even though these two sources have similarities there are clear
distinctive points of views. The main one is that while source A has a more positive outlook,
source B tends to talk about in a much unsuccessful perspective of one of the main Italy’s
founders. Furthermore, source A states that Young Italy could create consciousness all over
the area into national ideas claiming to be the one who provided the foundation of the
country, when source B criticize Mazzini for not winning mass support for his ideas. Two
contradictory factors. Moreover, another differing point is that source A describes Mazzini’s
goals as well defined, he was fighting for an independent unitary republic with rights and
freedom for every citizen. However, source B says a totally different thing, claiming
Mazzini’s way of thinking deeply vague with totally idealistic and highly romantic ideas.
Finally, another difference is that source B puts Garibaldi in a higher rank that Mazzini,
especially when they were attacked by France. Nevertheless, source A says that Mazzini
manage to rule Rome, where he could stablish many new reforms and he won approval of
the English State.
On conclusion, I strongly believe that they agree in a vague way, it is true that they talk
about the same aspects of Mazzini but they clearly have different points of views on it.