How would European power politics change if Tuscany negotiated an Italian federation with the other Italian states and Austria in 1855?
Short answerA stronger Italian state could alter the wars involving Austria, Prussia, and France. The participants disagree over whether external enemies would unite the federation or internal rivalry would constrain it.
NotesA Tuscan-led federation formed in 1855 would have about fifteen years to develop before the Franco-Prussian War. Its role depends on the intervening relationship with Austria and Prussia. One possibility is an Italian partner confident enough to open a southern front against France. A participant interrupts to emphasize that the prompt describes a federation, with uncertain centralization, and doubts that internal disputes would leave much appetite for expansion. Clarke instead suggests that external enemies could help hold the federation together. Their disagreement leaves the relationship between domestic cohesion and foreign war unresolved.