History
Garibaldi: The Hero Who United Italy
Discover Giuseppe Garibaldi, the charismatic general and "Hero of Two Worlds" who was instrumental in the unification of Italy.
What is it?
Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) was an Italian general, patriot, and republican who is considered one of the "fathers of the fatherland" in Italy. He was a central figure in the Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement for Italian unification. Garibaldi is renowned for his military leadership and guerrilla warfare tactics, which he honed during years of exile in South America, earning him the nickname "Hero of Two Worlds". His volunteer army, known as the Redshirts, was a key force in the fight to create a unified Italian state.
Why is it trending?
Garibaldi remains a perpetually significant historical figure because of his near-single-handed military success in uniting northern and southern Italy. His legendary "Expedition of the Thousand" in 1860, where he led a small volunteer army to conquer Sicily and Naples, is a celebrated and pivotal event in Italian history. This audacious campaign led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. His life embodies the romantic ideals of 19th-century nationalism, revolution, and the fight for liberty, making him a subject of ongoing historical interest and a symbol of Italian patriotism.
How does it affect people?
Garibaldi's actions directly led to the creation of the modern nation-state of Italy, fundamentally shaping European geography and politics. For Italians, he is an enduring national hero whose legacy is a cornerstone of their national identity and pride. Globally, Garibaldi became an international icon for national independence and republican ideals, inspiring liberation movements and future revolutionaries. His life and struggles underscore the power of popular movements and charismatic leadership in forging national identity and achieving self-determination.