The March on Rome 1867: Giuseppe Garibaldi's Second Attempt

Name: The March on Rome 1867: Giuseppe Garibaldi's Second Attempt
Start: 1807-10-27
Location: Unspecified

The Dramatic March on Rome: A Key Event in Italian Unification

Giuseppe Garibaldi's Leadership

Giuseppe Garibaldi was one of the prominent figures of the Italian unification movement, also known as the Risorgimento. In 1867, he attempted to march on Rome for the second time, seeking to bring the city under the control of the Kingdom of Italy, which was still fragmentary at that time. This attempt took place in the wake of previous successes in the unification process, and Garibaldi aimed to capitalize on his popularity.

The Context of the 1867 March

The year 1867 was significant as Italy had not yet fully unified, with Rome still under the control of the Papal States. Garibaldi's vision was to integrate Rome into Italy, which was a passionate aspiration shared by many nationalists. His march was motivated not just by political ambition, but also by the widespread sentiment among Italians who viewed the Papal rule as an impediment to unity.

Challenges Faced by Garibaldi During the March

Military Opposition to Garibaldi

Garibaldi, leading a group of approximately 7,000 volunteers, faced a daunting task. As he marched towards Rome, he confronted the might of the Papal army, supported by French troops acting in defense of the Pope. The encounter with these forces proved challenging, demonstrating the complexities of unifying Italy against established powers.

The Battle of Mentana

The climax of the March on Rome came during the Battle of Mentana. On November 3, 1867, Garibaldi’s forces engaged Papal troops near Mentana, a town just a short distance from Rome. Despite their bravery and determination, Garibaldi’s men were ultimately defeated, which signified a significant setback for the unification movement.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The Impact of Garibaldi's Second March

The failure of the 1867 March on Rome was a pivotal moment in the unification process. While Garibaldi did not achieve his immediate goal, his efforts kept the momentum of the Risorgimento alive and inspired future generations of nationalists. His courage and charisma galvanized support for the Italian cause, laying groundwork for eventual success in 1871 when Rome was finally incorporated into Italy.

Garibaldi's Legacy in Italian History

Giuseppe Garibaldi is remembered as a national hero of Italy. His contributions to the unification movement, including the March on Rome, have left a lasting legacy. Garibaldi symbolizes the spirit of nationalism and the movement toward a unified Italian state, and even his failures contributed to the broader narrative of Italy’s journey to unity.

Fun Fact

Garibaldi's Other Adventurous Initiatives

Before his attempt to march on Rome, Garibaldi had a remarkable career as a soldier and revolutionary, including his famous campaigns in South America and his role in the Italian Wars of Independence. His adventurous spirit and strategy during these times solidified his status as a legendary figure.