Garibaldi, History's Sexiest Revolutionary?
8 days ago
- #Italian Unification
- #Revolutionary Leaders
- #19th Century History
- Giuseppe Garibaldi was a key figure in the 19th-century Italian unification movement, known for his courage, charisma, and populist appeal.
- Before unification, Italy was divided into multiple states under foreign control, including Austrian-ruled north, Papal States in the center, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the south.
- Garibaldi joined the radical Young Italy movement, was exiled after a failed revolt, and became a guerrilla leader in South America, gaining a reputation for bravery and kindness.
- He returned to Italy during the 1848 revolutions and led volunteer armies, most notably in the 1860 Expedition of the Thousand, which liberated Sicily and southern Italy.
- Garibaldi's striking looks, inspiring speeches, and underdog victories made him an international celebrity, especially in Britain and the U.S.
- Despite his noble image, Garibaldi relied on ruthless lieutenants like Nino Bixio to enforce discipline and suppress opposition.
- Italy was officially unified by the 1870s under King Victor Emmanuel II, with Garibaldi remaining a celebrated but restless advocate for democracy and freedom.