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Giuseppe Garibaldi, born on July 4, 1807, in Nice, is one of Italy's most revered figures, known as the "Hero of the Two Worlds" for his military exploits in both South America and Europe. A general, revolutionary, and republican, Garibaldi played a pivotal role in the Italian unification (Risorgimento), contributing to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy

Early Life and Revolutionary Beginnings

Garibaldi was born to a Ligurian family, and from a young age, he was drawn to the sea due to his family's involvement in coastal trade. In his youth, Garibaldi embraced the revolutionary ideals of Giuseppe Mazzini, joining his secret movement, Young Italy, which aimed for Italian unification under a democratic republican government. In 1834, after a failed insurrection in Piedmont, Garibaldi was sentenced to death and forced into exile.

Exile and Adventures in South America

Garibaldi spent much of his early adulthood in South America, where he would make his mark as a military leader. He arrived in Brazil in 1836, where he fought alongside the rebels of the Riograndense Republic in the Ragamuffin War. During this period, he met and married Anita, a fellow revolutionary, and together they formed the core of Garibaldi's legendary military operations.

Garibaldi’s time in South America was instrumental in shaping his guerrilla warfare tactics, which would later be crucial to his campaigns in Italy. In 1842, he formed an Italian Legion, known as the Redshirts, to fight in the Uruguayan Civil War. His troops played a significant role in the conflict, and Garibaldi’s exploits in the region earned him a reputation as a brilliant strategist and passionate advocate for independence.

Return to Italy and Role in the Risorgimento

In 1848, Garibaldi returned to Italy amidst the revolutionary wave sweeping across Europe. He fought for the provisional government of Milan during the First Italian War of Independence, achieving a few minor victories. However, it was his involvement in the defense of the Roman Republic in 1849 that solidified his place in Italian history. When French troops, sent by Napoleon III, threatened the republic, Garibaldi led the defense, though the French eventually crushed the republican forces.

Despite this setback, Garibaldi remained committed to Italian unification and continued his struggle for a republican Italy. His role in the Risorgimento became increasingly important as he joined forces with other leaders such as Count Cavour and King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia. In 1859, he led his "Hunters of the Alps" in a successful campaign that captured Lombardy from the Austrians, a critical step in the eventual unification of Italy.

The Expedition of the Thousand and the Unification of Italy

In 1860, Garibaldi undertook one of his most famous military campaigns: the Expedition of the Thousand. With a volunteer army of just over a thousand men, he landed in Sicily and, against all odds, overthrew the Bourbon monarchy that ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. His victory in Sicily and subsequent capture of Naples led to the annexation of Southern Italy and marked a crucial step towards the unification of Italy.

Garibaldi’s success was due in no small part to his charismatic leadership and the loyalty of his troops, the Redshirts. His republican ideals were tempered by the political pragmatism of working with the monarchist forces of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which ultimately led to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Later Life and Legacy

Garibaldi continued to serve in various military roles, including during the Franco-Prussian War, but by the time of his later years, he had become a symbol of Italian unity and independence. Garibaldi’s military brilliance, his commitment to the republican cause, and his personal sacrifices made him a national hero.

Admired by intellectuals and political figures around the world, including Abraham Lincoln and Victor Hugo, Garibaldi’s legacy transcends national boundaries. He became an inspiration for future revolutionaries, including figures like Che Guevara and Jawaharlal Nehru. His image, dressed in the iconic red shirt, became synonymous with the spirit of revolutionary struggle for freedom.

Garibaldi passed away on June 2, 1882, in Caprera, Italy. His contributions to the unification of Italy and his role in shaping the political landscape of Europe remain integral to his enduring legacy. Garibaldi is remembered not just as a military hero, but as a champion of liberty, democracy, and Italian nationalism.

Did You Know?

• Before his revolutionary work, Garibaldi was a merchant seaman, traveling widely across South America, Africa, and the Mediterranean. His love for the sea was evident from a young age.
• Garibaldi was deeply devoted to his wife Anita, who fought alongside him, and after her death, he never remarried.
• His famous red shirt, worn by his volunteers, was inspired by the bright clothing of his Brazilian comrades.
• Garibaldi was admired by Abraham Lincoln, who offered him a command in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
• After Italian unification, Garibaldi briefly served in parliament but withdrew due to conflicts with the monarchy.

15 Lira - 150th Birth Anniversary of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

110 Lira - 150th Birth Anniversary of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Stamp Specifications

• Country: Italy
• Issue Date: 14 December 1957 to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
• Type: Commemorative Stamp
• Perforations: 15 Lira - 14 x 13¼ | 110 Lira - 13¼ x 14
• Designers: C. Mancioli
• Dimensions: 15 Lira - 25 x 30 mm | 110 Lira - 30 x 25 mm
• Printing Method: Recess
• Watermark: Star II
• Face Value: 15 Italian Lira (L) | 110 Italian Lira (L)
• Stamps Issued: 15 Lira - 18,150,000 | 110 Lira - 5,000,000