In the middle of the nineteenth century, there were two different standpoints in regard to the ways and means of solving "the Italian Problems". The one was the standpoint of the Moderates represented by Gioberti, Balbo, d'Azeglio and others. The other was that of the Republicans, with Mazzini as their leader. The former, rather conservative and dependent upon the Italian princes, thought little of the people in deciding the ways of solving the problems. Mazzini, on the contrary, thought much of the important role played by the people and looked forward to the Italy as an united republic supported by the direct participation of the people. Mazzini was influenced by the then prevailing "Superioritism", and believed firmly that a new age, "Roma del Popolo", would come under the leadership of the Italian people. Mazzini had an original idea on the Christianity. He asserted that such principles as Liberty, Equality and Fraternity had their origin in the Christianity and that the French Revolution was only a reali zation on such principles. Christianity as it was, aimed soley at the salvation of the individual resulting in selfish individualism which could not get the people together as brothers. Thus Mazzini advocated the idea of "Associazione", and persuaded the people to cooperate and make efforts to realize their common objectives. Also he gave a very wide meanings to "Associazione", including Young Italy people of all nations, even the mankind itself.
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