During the Italian unification, Garibaldi completed the unification of Southern Italy. I've read several resources, but I'm still unclear of how he accomplished that. Did he simply invade Sicily, Naples, and the Papal States? As well, I read somewhere that Sicily was not given to Piedmont. But Sicily became part of Italy, did it not?
These sites should clarify the problem.
http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312582/unification.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sicily#Modern_era
Thank you! The site simplified everything so well. It makes sense now!
You're very welcome.
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During the Italian unification process, Giuseppe Garibaldi played a critical role in completing the unification of Southern Italy. To understand how he accomplished this, let's first provide a brief overview of the context.
Before Garibaldi's involvement, the Kingdom of Italy, led by the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, had already achieved the unification of most of Northern Italy under the leadership of Count Camillo di Cavour. However, Southern Italy, comprising the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (including Sicily and Naples) and some parts of the Papal States, remained outside the unified Italian state.
Garibaldi, a passionate Italian nationalist and military leader, pursued his vision of a unified Italy and played a crucial role in the unification of Southern Italy. Here is an explanation of how he accomplished it:
1. Sicilian Expedition: In May 1860, Garibaldi, with a small force called the "Thousand" (or Redshirts), sailed from Genoa to Sicily. His aim was to liberate the island from the ruling Bourbon monarchy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Garibaldi's expedition was initially a success as local Sicilian nationalists joined his cause, and together they defeated the Bourbon forces. This military campaign is known as the Expedition of the Thousand.
2. Conquest of Naples: After securing control over Sicily, Garibaldi turned his attention to the mainland. His forces crossed the Strait of Messina and marched toward Naples. Along the way, many southern Italian towns and cities joined his cause. The Bourbon army was defeated, and Garibaldi entered Naples triumphantly in September 1860.
3. Collaboration with Piedmont: Garibaldi's success in Naples posed a new challenge. The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, led by King Victor Emmanuel II and Prime Minister Cavour, wanted to avoid a direct conflict with Garibaldi. They feared his popularity and the potential clash of interests between the Kingdom of Piedmont and Garibaldi's republican ideals. So, rather than resist him, they sought a mutually beneficial collaboration.
4. The Expedition of the Thousand and the Piedmont Deal: To avoid a confrontation, Garibaldi met with Victor Emmanuel II in Teano on October 26, 1860. In what became known as the "Meeting of Teano," Garibaldi handed over his territorial conquests (Naples and the Two Sicilies) to Victor Emmanuel, recognizing him as the ruler of a united Italy. Garibaldi's gesture aimed at achieving national unity under the constitutional monarchy of Piedmont.
Therefore, Garibaldi's role primarily involved military expeditions, starting from Sicily, advancing into the mainland, and eventually collaborating with the Kingdom of Piedmont to achieve Italian unification. As for Sicily specifically, although it was initially not given to Piedmont, it eventually became part of Italy through the subsequent political negotiations and agreements.