History HL Course 1
Mattlidens Gymnasium
Alexandra From 081
Niklas Andersson
Why has it been claimed that Italian unification needed both a
Cavour and a Garibaldi?
Introduction
The unification of Italy was succeeded after political and military events. There were two men who
were the main characters and essential of the Italian unification; Count Cavour and Garibaldi.
Cavour was a political man, who thought carefully his plans and ideas through. Garibaldi was a
man of action rather than thinking. But both were motivated and strong minded and these two
together made a good team. 1
1.1.Cavour
In 1859 Cavour was selected to be Minister of Agricultural, Commerce and the Navy. This was a
great opportunity for him practice his economic theories and make free trade treaties with Britain,
France and Belgium. Cavour became the prime minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1852. His
aim in the beginning was not directly to unite Italy, but rather evict Austria away and expand the
Piedmont monarch. The thoughts of a Italy unification became stronger later.
After the King of Piedmont Charles Albert ceased the censorship from Italian newspaper Il
Risorgimento Cavour became the author of publication. He publicized his political ideas in the
newspaper. Cavour supported policies that made economical development possible, liberalization in
politics and stood for reformation that compromised the position of the church. Cavour had
influence on people, like the King of Sardinia. He persuaded King Charles Albert to give his people
a constitution. Cavour also cooperated with Victor Emmanuel II after the King Charles Albert's
abdication.2
Cavour spread Italian influence over different nations. For example he sent military troupes to
cooperate with the French and British army in the Crimean War against Russia. His reasons were
mainly to gain international friends and to get a seat in the Peace Conference in Paris. Also Britain
1
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-Italian-Unification&id=451939,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8768799/Italian-Unification-Garibaldi-and-Cavour-Outline
2
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-Italian-Unification&id=451939,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8768799/Italian-Unification-Garibaldi-and-Cavour-Outline
and France were great nations to have on ones side. By gaining a seat in the Peace Conference he
could make himself heard and negotiate of Italy's future and unification with the Great Powers,
which he did. He kept close touch with Napoleon III the ruler of France after the war and made a
secret pact with him. The prime minister of Italy and the king of France were plotting war against
Austria. They considered that it should look like Austria had started the war and was the big bad
wolf and Italy was just a helpless and defensive lamb. Cavour provoked Austria until they sent an
ultimatum that the army of Piedmont would be disarmed. Cavour of course refused which led to
war against Austria. Piedmont got help from France and Austria was defeated. Lombardy, with its
city Milano, was surrendered to Napoleon. In 1859 Napoleon gave the power of Lombardy to
Victor Emmanuel II. Between 1850-1860 all northern states of Italian peninsulas were unified to
the Kingdom of Sardinia, except for Venetia, which still belonged to Austria3
Thanks to Cavour's leadership and accommodation policies the unification of Italy made progress. 4
1.2.Garibaldi
Garibaldi was a man who changed his beliefs, but his goal and dream remained the same; to unite
Italy to one big nation. He was first a republican and influenced by Mazzini, but became royalist.
He offered his military help to the King of Piedmont when he heard rumors about a possible
revolution. The King however denied his offer. 5
Garibaldi participated in many movements such as the unification and independent movement 1848,
the so called Risorgimento movement. He gathered volunteers who were loyal and served the King
of Sardinia and marched to Rome with his fellows to defended Roman Republc from France, but
was defeated . Garibaldi had to leave Italy in order to save his life, but came back 1854. He allied
himself with the King of Sardinia Viktor Emmanuel and his prime minister Cavour. Garibaldi was
popular and well known among the people in Italy and gain support from them. Garibaldi was a
good military leader and won battles against Austria. He conquered Sicily and established a
temporary government there. He invaded Naples, which he gave to the King of Sardinia Viktor
Emmmanuel II. A unified Italy was made 1861 after Marches and Umbrai were conquered. Viktor
Emmanuel took the title of the King of the unified Italy. 6
3
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-Italian-Unification&id=451939,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8768799/Italian-Unification-Garibaldi-and-Cavour-Outline
4
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm,
5
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-Italian-Unification&id=451939,
6
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-ItalianUnification&id=451939,http://www.scribd.com/doc/8768799/Italian-Unification-Garibaldi-andCavour-Outline
1.3Conclusion
Cavour and Garibaldi were both important persons who were needed to accomplish the unification
of Italy. Although they might have not liked each other in person, they completed each other.
Cavour was seen as the brains of the actions. His political interests and sharp thinking and his ways
of manipulating people were a great of value to him and to Italy. Garibaldi on the other hand was
the one who did the work on the field. While Cavour was more careful in thinking thoroughly his
plans, Garibaldi acted rather than thought. But both were motivated and had similar goals; to unite
and make Italy an independent state. 7
Teacher`s mark: 12/20, quite brief
If I would rewrite this essay, I would introduce my timespan in the introduction and be more
specific on what I am writing about in my essay in the introduction. I would probably introduce
Cavour and Garibaldi and tell briefly about their childhood, and how they came to their position.
I did not discuss the claim in my essay, which I should have done. So if I would rewrite it then I
would try to discuss the claim and make a conclusion.
My own mark: 10/20
7
http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification.htm, http://www.age-of-the-
sage.org/history/italian_unification.html, http://ezinearticles.com/?Contributions-by-Mazzini,Cavour-and-Garibaldi-to-Italian-Unification&id=451939,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8768799/Italian-Unification-Garibaldi-and-Cavour-Outline