Adventurer, freedom fighter, rebel and hero
Quote of the week
“I offer neither pay, nor quarters, nor food; I offer only hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles and death. Let him who loves his country with his heart, and not merely with his lips, follow me.”
— Giuseppe Garibaldi
As we neared the northern part of Sardinia we stayed a couple of days on the island of La Maddalena, a beautiful quiet place, except for the storm that hit the island when we were there. We stayed for a couple of days until the wind died down. Our aim, before taking the boat back to the mainland, was to visit the neighbouring island of Caprera, easily accessible by a bridge. It is a beautiful, even quieter island, and once the home of Guiseppe Garibaldi. It is Garibaldi who is hidden under the title. He seemed to have been an exceptional man, for most of his life fighting for the unification of Italy.
Garibaldi - the revolutionary and the hero
Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882) was an Italian general, nationalist, and key figure in the unification of Italy. Born in Nice, which was then part of the French Empire, his early life was shaped by the sea, a heritage from his fisherman father. He chose the military side which exposed him to revolutionary ideas. He joined the Young Italy movement, led by Giuseppe Mazzini, also a believer in a united Italy. Italy was at the time under Austrian and Bourbon rule. His actions led to a death sentence and he had to flee for his life. He traveled to South America, where he became a celebrated freedom fighter, particularly in Brazil and Uruguay.
Not before long Garibaldi gained fame for his military skills and unwavering commitment to republican ideals. He married Anita Ribeiro, a Brazilian freedom fighter who would accompany him on campaigns, becoming a symbol of courage and loyalty. Together, they fought for Uruguay's independence in its civil war, bolstering Garibaldi’s reputation as a revolutionary leader.
In 1848, Garibaldi returned to Italy and joined its revolution against Austrian control. Although these early uprisings were unsuccessful, Garibaldi's experience, skills and tactical brilliance made him a national hero. His peak moment of success and fame occurred in 1860 with his famous campaign to Sicily. Against all odds the expedition did conquer Sicily and Naples and this was an important victory and path in unifying southern Italy with the north.
Garibaldi worked his whole life for a united Italy, and a desire to see Rome as its capital. That led to a conflict with the Papal States and their allies, the French. His passion for the cause was an inspiration for a generation of patriots, and his legacy led to his reputation as a man synonymous with Italian nationalism and heroism.
In later years Garibaldi focused on politics and worked for social reforms, including women’s rights, universal suffrage and improved workers’ rights. He spent his last days on the hacienda home he built on the island of Caprera. He died here in 1882 and is resting in the burial place in the garden with his family.
Garibaldi did live to see a unified Italy, and is remembered as one of the heros of the, so called, Risorgimento. In the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, France had to send its army away from Rome, and without it the Pope had to give in. Due to the efforts of Count of Cavour, then the prime minister of Piedmont, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, the unification was a fact. King Victor Emmanuel II became the first king of Italy, and Rome became the capital of Italy in 1871.
Today, Garibaldi is remembered as a revolutionary hero and "father of the Italian nation," honoured for his role in shaping the modern Italy. After all the revolutionary years it was difficult for him to settle down to a quiet life. Times were changing and the rebel years were something of the past. I think he managed to find his piece in the beautiful house he built, reminding him of South America and his first wife. He was close to the sea, a place which was an important to him. The views from the house and garden are tranquil and sunny. When he walked out of the kitchen in the morning (picture below) and saw the view, he must have felt that a good day was ahead of him.
The house is now a museum and definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. It is beautiful to walk around the garden and it is a secluded place where anyone can find their peace.
I know little to nothing about Garibaldi -- and now I know a lot more!