Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, born on July 4, 1807, in Nice (then part of the French Empire), and passing on June 2, 1882, was far more than just a military figure; he was a titan of Italian history, a general, patriot, revolutionary, and staunch republican whose name is inextricably linked with the creation of modern Italy. His relentless dedication to the cause of national unity earned him a place among Italy's "fathers of the fatherland," alongside figures like Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, King Victor Emmanuel II, and Giuseppe Mazzini. Revered for his extraordinary leadership and military prowess, Garibaldi is celebrated as one of the greatest generals of modern times, but perhaps his most evocative title is the "Hero of the Two Worlds," a testament to his audacious military exploits across both South America and Europe.

Early Life and the Path to Revolution

Garibaldi’s political awakening began with a profound adherence to the ideals of Italian nationalism championed by Giuseppe Mazzini, a fellow revolutionary. He was an enthusiastic follower of the Young Italy movement, embracing its vision for a unified, democratic Italian republic. However, the path to national unity was complex, and Garibaldi, ever the pragmatist, eventually found himself making a pivotal break with Mazzini’s strict republicanism. In a strategic alliance that underscored his deep commitment to Italian independence above all else, he joined forces with the monarchist Cavour and the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. This move demonstrated his willingness to temporarily subordinate his republican ideals to the urgent nationalist goal of uniting Italy, a decision that would prove crucial for the Risorgimento – the Italian resurgence. His early revolutionary activities in Piedmont led to a death sentence, forcing him into a long and transformative exile.

The Hero of the Two Worlds: South American Adventures

Fleeing Italy, Garibaldi embarked on a remarkable 14-year odyssey in South America, a period that would profoundly shape his military philosophy and earn him his legendary moniker. It was there, far from his homeland, that he honed his formidable skills in guerrilla warfare, participating in a series of conflicts that showcased his tactical brilliance and unwavering resolve. In 1835, he joined the "Ragamuffins" (farrapos) in Brazil, fighting in the Ragamuffin War for the establishment of the Riograndense Republic and later the Catarinense Republic. His adventures continued as he became deeply involved in the Uruguayan Civil War, where he famously raised an Italian legion, whose volunteers, for the first time, donned the iconic red shirts. These "Redshirts" would become synonymous with Garibaldi himself, a symbol of courage and revolutionary fervor. To this day, he remains a celebrated figure in Uruguay for his significant contributions to the nation’s reconstitution.

Return to Italy and the Campaigns for Unification

Garibaldi’s call to Italy’s destiny saw him return in 1848, ready to lead and fight in the military campaigns that would ultimately forge the nation. His leadership was quickly recognized; the provisional government of Milan appointed him a general, and by 1849, he was promoted to General of the Roman Republic, demonstrating his rapid ascent in the burgeoning revolutionary landscape. When the Second Italian War of Independence erupted in April 1859, Garibaldi was at the forefront. Leading his celebrated "Hunters of the Alps" (Cacciatori delle Alpi), he masterminded the capture of key Lombardian cities such as Varese and Como, pushing his forces to the frontier of South Tyrol. While this war concluded with the significant acquisition of Lombardy, the true turning point came the following year.

In 1860, with the crucial, albeit sometimes reluctant, consent of Victor Emmanuel II, Garibaldi launched his legendary "Expedition of the Thousand" (Spedizione dei Mille). This daring campaign, involving just over a thousand volunteers, saw him lead an invasion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was a resounding success, culminating in the annexation of Sicily, Southern Italy, and eventually Marche and Umbria to the Kingdom of Sardinia. This monumental achievement paved the way for the proclamation of a unified Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861, a moment Garibaldi had dedicated his life to. His final significant military engagement was during the Franco-Prussian War, where he commanded the French Army of the Vosges, once again demonstrating his unwavering commitment to republican ideals and fighting for freedom beyond Italy’s borders.

Legacy and Enduring Admiration

Giuseppe Garibaldi transcended national boundaries to become an international symbol of national independence and republican principles. Twentieth-century historiography and popular culture alike have solidified his status as Italy's greatest national hero, a figure whose courage and dedication inspired generations. He garnered widespread admiration from a diverse array of intellectuals and political figures worldwide, including luminaries like Abraham Lincoln, William Brown, Francesco de Sanctis, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, George Sand, Charles Dickens, Friedrich Engels, and even later figures like Che Guevara. The historian A. J. P. Taylor famously lauded him as "the only wholly admirable figure in modern history," a testament to his unblemished reputation for selfless devotion to liberty. His image, often associated with the iconic red shirts worn by his volunteers, the Garibaldini, remains a powerful emblem of courage, patriotism, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: A Crucial Pre-Unification State

Before the tumultuous events of Italian unification reshaped the peninsula, Southern Italy was dominated by the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This significant sovereign state existed from 1816 until 1860, and was, by both population and geographical size, the largest of the Italian states. Its territory encompassed the entire island of Sicily and extended across the Italian Peninsula south of the Papal States, effectively covering most of the region now known as the Mezzogiorno.

Origins and Nomenclature

The creation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816 was a result of the merger of two distinct, yet similarly named, entities: the Kingdom of Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples. Intriguingly, both had historically been referred to as the "Kingdom of Sicily." To distinguish them and acknowledge their combined heritage, the unified kingdom adopted the name "Two Sicilies," derived from the Latin Utraque Sicilia, meaning "both Sicilies." This nomenclature reflected a long and complex dynastic history that often saw the two regions under a single crown, though sometimes administered separately.

The End of a Kingdom and the Dawn of a Nation

The fate of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies became inextricably linked with Giuseppe Garibaldi's audacious campaigns. In 1860, it was Garibaldi who successfully overthrew the reigning Bourbon monarch, initiating a rapid transformation of Southern Italy. Following Garibaldi’s triumph, the populace overwhelmingly voted in a plebiscite to join the Savoyard Kingdom of Sardinia. This pivotal annexation represented the completion of the first major phase of Italian unification, culminating in the formal proclamation of the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861, with Victor Emmanuel II as its first king. The fall of the Two Sicilies thus marked a monumental step towards the unified Italian nation we know today.

An Agrarian Economy

Economically, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies largely mirrored its Italian neighbors, characterized by a predominantly agricultural foundation. Its wealth and societal structure were deeply rooted in agrarian practices, a common characteristic among the various states on the Italian peninsula during that era.

Frequently Asked Questions about Giuseppe Garibaldi and Italian Unification

Who was Giuseppe Garibaldi?

Giuseppe Garibaldi was a celebrated Italian general, patriot, revolutionary, and republican (1807–1882) who played a pivotal role in the Italian unification movement, known as the Risorgimento. He is often considered one of Italy's "fathers of the fatherland."

Why is Garibaldi known as the "Hero of the Two Worlds"?

He earned this title due to his extensive military exploits and revolutionary activities across both South America (including Brazil and Uruguay) and Europe, demonstrating his commitment to freedom and national independence on a global scale.

What was the "Expedition of the Thousand"?

The Expedition of the Thousand (Spedizione dei Mille) was a daring military campaign led by Garibaldi in 1860. With just over a thousand volunteers wearing red shirts, he successfully invaded and conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, playing a crucial role in annexing Southern Italy to the Kingdom of Sardinia, a key step towards Italian unification.

What were the "Redshirts"?

The "Redshirts" (Camicie Rosse) were the volunteer soldiers who followed Giuseppe Garibaldi. They wore distinctive red shirts instead of traditional military uniforms, which became a powerful symbol of their revolutionary spirit, courage, and loyalty to Garibaldi and the cause of Italian unity.

What was the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a powerful sovereign state in Southern Italy that existed from 1816 to 1860. It was the largest Italian state by population and size before unification, comprising Sicily and the southern part of the Italian Peninsula. Garibaldi’s conquest of this kingdom was a decisive moment in Italian unification.

How did Garibaldi contribute to the unification of Italy?

Garibaldi's contributions were immense, primarily through his military leadership. He led successful campaigns like the War of Independence (1859) and, most notably, the Expedition of the Thousand (1860), which led to the annexation of Southern Italy. His popular appeal and military genius were instrumental in uniting disparate regions under a single Italian crown.

Who were the other "fathers of the fatherland" alongside Garibaldi?

Besides Garibaldi, other key figures considered "fathers of the fatherland" for their roles in Italian unification include Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (the astute statesman), Victor Emmanuel II of Italy (the first king of unified Italy), and Giuseppe Mazzini (the ardent republican nationalist).