Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Invasion of Sicily: May 27, 1860

On May 27, 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in the Italian unification movement, commenced his assault on Sicily as part of the celebrated Expedition of the Thousand. This military campaign was integral to the broader Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement aimed at consolidating the various states of the Italian Peninsula into a single nation-state.

Background

In the mid-19th century, Italy was divided into several states, many under foreign control or influence. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, ruled by the Bourbon monarchy, included Sicily and was viewed as a significant obstacle to unification due to its reliance on foreign powers, specifically the Austrian Empire. The desire for national unity and independence from foreign domination was widespread, yet achieving it required both diplomatic maneuvering and military action.

The Expedition of the Thousand

Garibaldi, a seasoned and charismatic general, garnered support from various factions, including the influential Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini. He organized a volunteer force known as the “Redshirts,” named for their distinctive uniforms. This force consisted of around 1,000 volunteers, predominantly composed of young men from northern Italy.

The Landing in Marsala

The expedition set sail from Quarto, near Genoa, on May 5, 1860. They landed at Marsala, Sicily, on May 11 and quickly advanced inland. Garibaldi’s leadership, coupled with his ability to inspire local insurgents, enabled him to amass support against the Bourbon rule as they advanced.

The Assault on Palermo

By May 27, Garibaldi and his forces had reached the outskirts of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The city was a stronghold of Bourbon power; capturing it was crucial for Garibaldi’s campaign. Despite being significantly outnumbered, Garibaldi utilized guerrilla tactics and engaged in street-by-street combat.

Outcome and Significance

The capture of Palermo, concluded by early June, marked a significant turning point. It demonstrated the vulnerability of the Bourbon rule and emboldened the push for Italian unification. The success in Sicily paved the way for Garibaldi’s subsequent victories across the Italian Peninsula, gaining international attention and support for the unification cause.

Garibaldi’s actions during the Expedition of the Thousand played a pivotal role in the eventual annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to the Kingdom of Sardinia. This was a crucial step towards the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. His legacy remains deeply etched in Italian history as a symbol of unification and national identity.