Giuseppe Garibaldi
Nice-born Italian militarian and politician.
Garibali was born in Nice during French rule and spent his early working life in the merchant navy. After spending much time in Italian company, he joined La Giovine Italia in 1833, a secret movement aimed at unifying Italy and dedicated his life to helping liberate Nice from Austrian rule.
He fought in South America, raising an Italian army for the Uruguayan Civil War and successfully gained victories which enhanced his reputation. On return to Italy, he continued to fight for Italian independence, until he was forced to exile abroad. He established a volunteer army in the Austro-Sardinian War of 1859, winning victories in Como and Varese.
His home town of Nice was ceded to the French a year later. The same year, Garibaldi took Sicily, gaining him huge acclaim and then Naples. Aligned with the Piedmontese, he famously met with the Italian Victor Emmanuel II and rode with him into Naples as a demonstration of a united front. Victor Emmanuel II was not crowned King that day, but it was the day Garibaldi gave up his 'kingdoms' of Sicily and Naples in pursuit of a united Italy. He later held significant political positions in the Italian government.
