Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: History
Lesson Topic: 1.2 How was Italy unified?
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the roles of Cavour, Garibaldi, Victor Emmanuel II, and Mazzini in Italian unification.
  • Explain the key phases and events from 1848 to 1871 that led to a unified Italy.
  • Analyse how diplomatic strategy, popular nationalism, and military action combined to achieve unification.
  • Evaluate the successes and limitations of the Risorgimento.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for map slides
  • Printed timeline handout
  • Primary source excerpts (Cavour’s letter, Garibaldi’s proclamation)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Student worksheets with guided questions
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the 1860 Expedition of the Thousand to spark curiosity. Ask students what they already know about 19th‑century European revolutions and link this to the Italian context. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the main agents, sequence the key events, and assess why unification succeeded.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on the 1848 revolutions and their outcomes.
  2. Mini‑lecture with map (10') – Overview of Cavour’s diplomacy, Garibaldi’s campaigns, Victor Emmanuel II’s role, and Mazzini’s ideas.
  3. Group analysis (15') – Students examine primary‑source excerpts, identify which leader is represented, and discuss motivations.
  4. Timeline activity (10') – Arrange event cards (1848‑1871) in chronological order and annotate significance.
  5. Synthesis discussion (10') – Whole‑class debrief linking diplomacy, popular support, and military action; exit‑ticket question to check understanding.
Conclusion:
Recap the sequence of events and the four key agents, highlighting how their combined efforts produced a unified Italy. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one success factor and one limitation of the Risorgimento. Assign a brief homework: write a paragraph comparing Italian unification to another 19th‑century nation‑building process.