Introduction. State and Nation in Southern Europe at liberal times

Abstract

Southern European countries shape a geopolitical space very suitable for making a comparative history of the State and nation building. Italy, Spain and Portugal shared many economic, social and political features during the Liberal period, such as disjointed territories, economical backwardness, migration and immigration, extended illiteracy, political centralism, catholic culture and political clientelism. All that make easy to comprise the characteristics due to each nation-State as well as others which find a better explanation taking a look at Southern Europe as a supranational unity, rather than from a national point of view.