The unification of Germany and Italy in the 19th century represents significant milestones in the rise of nationalism in Europe. Both processes were characterized by a series of political maneuvers, wars, and popular movements that ultimately reshaped the political map of Europe.

The unification of Italy was primarily driven by the efforts of key figures such as Count Camillo di Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and King Victor Emmanuel II. The process began in the early 19th century, amidst widespread discontent with foreign rule and a desire for a unified nation-state.

Cavour, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, played a crucial role in orchestrating the unification. He sought to expand Sardinia's influence and worked to forge alliances with France to counter Austrian dominance in northern Italy. The Franco-Austrian War of 1859 was pivotal, as it allowed Sardinia to annex Lombardy, a region previously controlled by Austria.

Meanwhile, Garibaldi, a nationalist leader, led the famous Expedition of the Thousand in 1860. He gathered a volunteer army known as the "Red Shirts" and successfully captured the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Garibaldi’s efforts brought southern Italy under the control of Sardinia, contributing to the unification process.

By 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed, with Victor Emmanuel II as its king. However, the unification was not complete; Rome and the Papal States remained outside the new kingdom. This situation changed in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War when French troops withdrew from Rome, allowing Italian forces to capture the city. By 1871, Rome was declared the capital of Italy, completing the unification process.

In contrast, the unification of Germany was largely attributed to the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia. Bismarck's approach, known as "Realpolitik," emphasized pragmatic politics and the use of power to achieve national goals. His strategy involved a series of wars that would ultimately lead to the unification of the German states under Prussian leadership.

The first significant conflict was the Danish War of 1864, where Prussia allied with Austria to defeat Denmark and acquire the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This victory bolstered Prussia's status among the German states.

The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 was another critical turning point. Bismarck cleverly isolated Austria diplomatically and then waged a swift war, resulting in a decisive Prussian victory. The Treaty of Prague that followed excluded Austria from German affairs and led to the establishment of the North German Confederation, uniting northern German states under Prussian control.

The final step in German unification occurred during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Bismarck used nationalist sentiments to rally support from the southern German states against France. The successful war united the German states against a common enemy, and after the defeat of France, the German Empire was proclaimed in January 1871 at the Palace of Versailles, with Wilhelm I as the Kaiser.

Both the Italian and German unification processes were marked by a strong sense of nationalism, characterized by the belief that people sharing a common culture and language should unite under a single state. These movements significantly altered the political landscape of Europe and laid the groundwork for future nationalistic movements across the continent.