Expedition of the Thousand

Italy_(March_1860)

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Expedition of the Thousand

The Expedition of the Thousand (Italian: Spedizione dei Mille) was a military campaign led by Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. This expedition was a crucial event in the Italian unification (Risorgimento) and aimed to conquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Background

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, ruled by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, was one of the largest and wealthiest states in Italy before unification. However, it was also seen as one of the most repressive and backward. The desire for unification and liberation from foreign rule was growing among the Italian population, inspired by the earlier successes of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the leadership of figures like Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II of Italy.

Preparation

Garibaldi, a renowned general and nationalist, gathered approximately 1,000 volunteers, known as the Redshirts, in Quarto dei Mille, near Genoa. These volunteers were mostly young men from northern Italy, motivated by the ideals of nationalism and freedom.

The Expedition

The expedition set sail on May 5, 1860, aboard two ships, the Lombardo and the Piemonte. They landed at Marsala in western Sicily on May 11, 1860. Garibaldi's forces quickly gained support from local populations and defeated the Bourbon troops in several key battles, including the Battle of Calatafimi and the Battle of Milazzo.

Conquest of Sicily

By the end of July 1860, Garibaldi had successfully conquered the entire island of Sicily. His forces then crossed the Strait of Messina to the mainland, continuing their campaign against the Bourbon forces.

March to Naples

Garibaldi's march towards Naples was marked by a series of victories and growing support from the local population. On September 7, 1860, Garibaldi entered Naples unopposed, as King Francis II of the Two Sicilies had fled the city.

Battle of the Volturno

The final significant battle of the campaign was the Battle of the Volturno, fought on October 1-2, 1860. Garibaldi's forces defeated the remaining Bourbon troops, securing control over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Aftermath

The success of the Expedition of the Thousand was a turning point in the Italian unification process. Garibaldi handed over control of the conquered territories to King Victor Emmanuel II, who was subsequently proclaimed King of Italy in 1861. This event marked the beginning of the end for the fragmented Italian states and the establishment of a unified Kingdom of Italy.

Legacy

The Expedition of the Thousand is celebrated as a symbol of Italian patriotism and the struggle for national unity. Garibaldi remains a national hero, and the expedition is commemorated in various monuments and historical sites throughout Italy.

Related Pages

• Giuseppe Garibaldi
• Italian unification
• Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
• Redshirts (Italy)
• Battle of Calatafimi
• Battle of Milazzo
• Battle of the Volturno
• Victor Emmanuel II of Italy
• Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour