Paintings by Diego Velazquez

ITALY : THE FOUNDER OF MODERN ITLAY
BORN : 1807 DIED : 1882

Garibaldi, the founder of modern Italy is counted amongst those patriots who gave up their lives to the service of their motherland. He was the symbol of courage and ideal life. He was a valiant fighter, who was able to fulfil the dreams of Mazzini of a united and strong Itally. Condemned to death of treason, he escaped to South America where he became a mercenary. He regurned to Italy during 1848 revolution.

Garibaldi was the leader of the people’s movement for the unification of Italy which was divided into small principalities. He organized a 1000-strong army of patriots in 1860. These people were highly motivated and vowed to follow their leader. Garibaldi called this army ‘Red Shirt’s. He also led two unsuccessful expeditions to liberate Rome in 1862 and 1867. Whichever principality refused to join united Italy was attacked and won over by force. Sicily and Naples were won. This battle for unification lasted till 1870. Garibaldi represented Rome in the newly elected Parliament of Italy. Garibaldi was a great soul every willing to help the oppressed and tyrannized people. He was extremely sacrificing in nature and unaffected by lure of power and wealth. After unifying Italy, he started living in a deserted island near Sardinia to spend the remaining years of his life.

Garibaldi was born in a sailor’s family at Nice in 1807. Nice was under French occupation at that time. After his early education, he also joined up as a sailor. He was a member of an organization named ‘Young Italy’ and devoted his time and energy in unifying small Italian states. He was arrested after the attack on Savoy. He ran away to South Africa. On his return, he again set about the task of unifying Italy. During his exile, he used to make candles on an island near New York. He died on 2 June 188