Ch 15: Unifications of Nation States in the 19th Century: AP European History Lesson Plans
About This Chapter
Weekly Syllabus
Below is a sample breakdown of the Unification of Nation States chapter into a 5-day school week. Based on the pace of your course, you may need to adapt the lesson plan to fit your needs.
Day | Topics | Key Terms and Concepts Covered |
---|---|---|
Monday | Unification of Italy | Historical events, leaders and sense of nationalism that led to the unification of Italy |
Tuesday | Unification of Germany and unification of Austria | Historical events that led to the unification of Germany, exclusion of Austria from German unification and establishment of Austria-Hungary |
Wednesday | Territorial developments in France and Russia | Land acquisitions and losses in France and Russia |
Thursday | Creation of the United Kingdom | Overview of the formation of the United Kingdom, including the incorporation of Ireland |
Friday | The Ottoman Empire in the 19th century | Political and territorial developments in the Ottoman Empire |

1. The Unification of Italy: Summary, Timeline & Leaders
The unification of Italy was accomplished in the late 19th century due in large part to the work of stateman Camillo Benso di Cavour and a rise in nationalism. Learn the summary, timeline, and significant leaders of the unification of Italy.

2. The Unification of Germany: Summary, Timeline & Events
The 19th century unification of Germany was achieved through the effective statecraft of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and rising German nationalism. Learn about the summary, timeline, and significant events which led to the unification of Germany.

3. Territorial Developments in France: Losses & Acquisitions
The territorial developments in France in the 19th century spurred an array of losses and acquisitions. Learn more about Napoleon's role in the expansion of France's borders, the French Revolution, decisions made by the Congress of Vienna, and France's partnership with Italy.

4. The Creation of the United Kingdom and the Incorporation of Ireland
The United Kingdom was established in stages over several centuries. Explore the creation of the United Kingdom, review the histories of England, Wales, Scotland, and the incorporation of Northern Ireland to understand the political and religious issues that have challenged the island nation to remain intact.

5. Territorial Developments in Russia: Losses & Acquisitions
The 18th and 19th centuries saw a great expansion of the Russian Empire's borders. Explore territorial developments in imperial Russian history, including territorial losses and acquisitions, how the Napoleonic Wars affected Russian expansion, and discover the purpose of the Congress of Vienna and the repercussions of the Crimean War.

6. The Unification of Austria: German Exclusion & Creation of Austria-Hungary
The exclusion of Austria from the German confederation eventually led to the union of Austria-Hungary into one nation. Understand why the exclusion of Austria happened, learn more about the unification of Austria and Hungary, and define 'Ausgleich'.

7. The Ottoman Empire: Changes, Politics & Developments
The Ottoman Empire experienced various political changes and developments in the 19th century. Learn more about notable events, internal issues, military defeats, financial problems, and significant attempts at reform by the Ottoman empire.
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