This thread is three parts.
1. A question: Why wasn't an independent Italy, which could serve as a balance for France, created at the Congress? Did it have to do with the Papal States? I know later proposals (1860ish) had the Pope as almost a Holy Roman Emperor analogue over Italy, ruling some territory in his own right.
2. An AHC: Have some form of independent unified Italy be created by diplomatic concert, rather than by nationalist uprising, preferably in the 19th century.
3. A WI: What would the effects on 19th century Europe (and the world) be if an independent and unified Italy rose from the ashes of the Napoleonic Wars?
1. A question: Why wasn't an independent Italy, which could serve as a balance for France, created at the Congress? Did it have to do with the Papal States? I know later proposals (1860ish) had the Pope as almost a Holy Roman Emperor analogue over Italy, ruling some territory in his own right.
2. An AHC: Have some form of independent unified Italy be created by diplomatic concert, rather than by nationalist uprising, preferably in the 19th century.
3. A WI: What would the effects on 19th century Europe (and the world) be if an independent and unified Italy rose from the ashes of the Napoleonic Wars?