Non proprio un modello: gli Stati Uniti nel movimento risorgimentale italiano

Abstract

The relationship between some of the Italian Risorgimento leaders and their interlocutors in the United States was informed by mutual interest and sympathy. However, it did not necessarily produce emulators or experiments inspired by the American system. At the same time, the US offered an excellent example of a method of government capable of overcoming political and economic obstacles as well as European criticism. Many of the Italian exiles in America, instead, were more likely to see in the host country a possible model of nation-building. Giuseppe Mazzini and Carlo Cattaneo, of course, dealt with the American experience coming, however, to different conclusions. The former, although acknowledging the success of the American experiment, criticized federalism which proved the inherent weakness of the system; the latter saw federalism as the only way to achieve a complete and veritable freedom. Neither one, however, used the United States as a model given the numerous geographic, historical and political differences between the two countries.

Keywords

• american republic
• Giuseppe Mazzini
• Carlo Cattaneo
• federalism
• liberty
• Republic