# Giuseppe Garibaldi

> Italian general, patriot and republican (1807–1882)

**Wikidata**: [Q539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q539)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Garibaldi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/giuseppe-garibaldi

## Summary
Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882) was an Italian general, patriot, and republican renowned for his central role in the unification of Italy. He is most celebrated for leading military campaigns that helped consolidate the fragmented Italian states into a unified Kingdom of Italy.

## Biography
- Born: July 4, 1807, in Nice, France
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: Largely self-educated; trained as a merchant and sailor in his youth
- Known for: Leadership in the Italian unification movement (Risorgimento) and military campaigns
- Employer(s): Volunteer forces, Kingdom of Sardinia, various revolutionary movements
- Field(s): Military, Politics, Nationalism

## Contributions
Giuseppe Garibaldi contributed significantly to the unification of Italy through both military leadership and political activism. His most notable contributions include:
- Leading the Expedition of the Thousand (1860), a pivotal campaign that resulted in the annexation of Sicily and southern Italy to the Kingdom of Sardinia.
- Participation in the defense of the Roman Republic (1849), where he fought alongside Giuseppe Mazzini.
- Commanding forces during the Uruguayan Civil War (1839–1842) and the Farroupilha Revolution in Brazil (1835–1845), where he gained early military experience.
- Engaging in the First and Second Italian Wars of Independence (1848–1849, 1859), advocating for a unified Italian state.
- Founding the Redshirts, a volunteer military organization that played a key role in Risorgimento.
- Fighting in the Battle of Calatafimi (1860), a decisive victory in the conquest of Sicily.
- Engaging in the Battle of Aspromonte (1862) and the Battle of Mentana (1862 and 1867 respectively), both significant in shaping Italian national identity.
- Advocating for the unification of Italy under a centralized monarchy, eventually contributing to the foundation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

## FAQs
### Who was Giuseppe Garibaldi?
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and nationalist leader who played a central role in the unification of Italy. He is best known for his military campaigns, particularly the Expedition of the Thousand, which helped bring southern Italy into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.

### What were Giuseppe Garibaldi's major military campaigns?
Garibaldi led several key military efforts, including the defense of the Roman Republic (1849), the Expedition of the Thousand (1860), and battles such as Calatafimi (1860), Aspromonte (1862), and Mentana (1867). These campaigns were instrumental in the Risorgimento movement.

### What is the Redshirts organization?
The Redshirts were a volunteer military force founded by Giuseppe Garibaldi, known for their red uniforms and pivotal role in the Italian unification. They were instrumental in the conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the defense of democratic ideals.

### What role did Garibaldi play in the unification of Italy?
Garibaldi was a central figure in the unification of Italy, leading military expeditions that brought southern regions into the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy. His efforts were crucial in transforming fragmented Italian states into a cohesive nation.

### Did Giuseppe Garibaldi receive any formal education?
Garibaldi was largely self-educated. He initially worked as a merchant and sailor, gaining early life experience before becoming a revolutionary and military leader.

### What is the significance of the Expedition of the Thousand?
The Expedition of the Thousand (1860) was a military campaign led by Garibaldi to conquer Sicily and southern Italy. It was a turning point in Italian unification, leading to the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to the north.

### What battles was Giuseppe Garibaldi involved in?
Garibaldi fought in the Battle of Calatafimi (1860), the Battle of Aspromonte (1862), and the Battle of Mentana (1867). These battles were critical in securing Italian territories and asserting national unity.

### What is the Roman Republic and Giuseppe Garibaldi's connection to it?
The Roman Republic (1849) was a short-lived revolutionary state in which Garibaldi fought to defend democratic ideals against papal and foreign forces. His leadership during this period established him as a key figure in Italian nationalism.

### What is the Farroupilha Revolution?
The Farroupilha Revolution (1835–1845) was a prolonged conflict in southern Brazil, where Garibaldi fought alongside the rebels. This experience shaped his early military career and political consciousness.

### What awards did Giuseppe Garibaldi receive?
Garibaldi received the Gold Medal of Military Valour and the Commemorative Medal for the Thousand of Marsala, both recognizing his bravery and contributions to Italian unification.

## Why They Matter
Giuseppe Garibaldi is a foundational figure in the unification of Italy, transforming a fragmented peninsula into a cohesive nation-state. His military genius and unwavering commitment to national liberation inspired generations of Italians and influenced global revolutionary movements. Without Garibaldi, the Risorgimento might not have succeeded as swiftly or decisively, potentially delaying Italian unity by decades.

## Notable For
- Leading the Expedition of the Thousand (1860), which unified southern Italy with the north
- Founding and commanding the Redshirts, a revolutionary volunteer force
- Playing a key role in the defense of the Roman Republic (1849)
- Participation in the Farroupilha Revolution and Uruguayan Civil War
- Receiving the Gold Medal of Military Valour for his service
- Being awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Thousand of Marsala
- Advocating for a unified Italy under a centralized monarchy
- Commanding decisive battles like Calatafimi, Aspromonte, and Mentana
- Serving as a symbol of Italian nationalism and republicanism

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Giuseppe Garibaldi was born on July 4, 1807, in Nice, then part of the French Empire. He was largely self-educated and initially worked as a merchant and sailor. His early exposure to revolutionary movements in South America and Europe shaped his political and military outlook.

### Military Career
Garibaldi's military career began in earnest during the Farroupilha Revolution in Brazil (1835–1845), where he fought alongside rebels seeking independence. He later participated in the Uruguayan Civil War (1839–1842), gaining recognition as a capable commander.

In 1848, Garibaldi returned to Europe to support the First Italian War of Independence. He played a significant role in the defense of the Roman Republic in 1849, fighting alongside Giuseppe Mazzini and other republicans. His leadership during the Battle of Mentana (1867) and Battle of Aspromonte (1862) further solidified his reputation.

### Role in Italian Unification
Garibaldi's most significant contribution was leading the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, a campaign that liberated Sicily and southern Italy from Bourbon rule. This act was crucial in the eventual unification of the Italian peninsula under the Kingdom of Sardinia, later becoming the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

He founded the Redshirts, a volunteer force that became synonymous with his revolutionary ideals. These forces were pivotal in campaigns such as the capture of Sicily and the march to Naples, which culminated in the unification of Italy.

### Political and Social Influence
Garibaldi was a staunch advocate for republicanism and national unity. His vision extended beyond military conquests to social reform and democratic governance. He consistently rejected personal power, famously handing over conquered territories to King Victor Emmanuel II to support a unified Italy.

### Legacy and Recognition
Garibaldi's legacy is commemorated in numerous ways:
- Monuments and memorials, including the Garibaldi Bridge in Rome and the Garibaldi Monument in Buenos Aires
- Awards like the Gold Medal of Military Valour and the Commemorative Medal for the Thousand of Marsala
- Cultural references in literature, art, and music, celebrating his role in Italian unification

His influence extended beyond Italy, inspiring nationalist movements worldwide. His ideals of freedom, democracy, and unity remain central to the Italian national identity.

## References

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