Enquiring History: Italian Unification 1815-1871

Book excerpt: Exam Board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR & WJEC Level: AS/A-level Subject: History First Teaching: September 2015 First Exam: June 2016 Think more deeply and work more independently at A level History through a carefully thought-out enquiry approach from SHP. Enquiring History: It makes you think! The OFSTED report on school history suggests that the current generation of A Level students have been poorly served by exam-based textbooks which spoon-feed students while failing to enthuse them or develop deeper understanding of History. The Schools History Project has risen to this challenge with a new series for the next generation. Enquiring History is SHP's fresh approach to Advanced Level History that aims: - To motivate and engage readers - To help readers think and gain independence as learners - To encourage enquiry, and deeper understanding of periods and the people of the past - To engage with current scholarship - To prepare A Level students for university Key features of each Student's Book: - Clear compelling narrative - books are designed to be read cover to cover - Structured enquiries - that explore the core content and issues of each period - 'Insights' (Feature panels between enquiries) provide context, overview, and extension - Full colour illustrations throughout Italian Unification 1815-1871 In 1815 Italy was so divided politically and culturally that it was famously described as 'merely a geographical expression'. This book explores and explains how Italy thought and fought its way to an unstable national unity by 1871. The enquiries examine the key political ideas of the period and the roles of key individuals - who include some of the most charismatic politicians in nineteenth century Europe - while also reflecting upon broader issues of nationalism and what makes a nation. Web-based support includes: - lesson planning tools and guidance for teachers available from the SHP website http://www.schoolshistoryproject.org.uk/Publishing/BooksSHP/BooksALvlEHS.html - eBooks for whole class teaching or individual student reading available from eBook retailers