Explanation of the role of Guiseppe Garibaldi in the Unification of Italy

Giuseppe Garibaldi has been referred to by many historians as 'the foremost military figure and popular hero of the age of Italian unification'. Indeed, unlike Mazzini known as the "thinker" of the movement towards a united Italian state, Garibaldi can be seen as the "sword" of the 'Risorgimento', whose efforts resulted in many practical contributions to the cause for Italian independence. Firstly, after his return to Italy in 1848, Garibaldi made his opening contribution to the …

…Piedmont in order to form the Kingdom of Italy. King Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of Italy and thus Garibaldi had achieved his practical goal, saluting his new monarch as 'the first King of Italy'. Therefore, in conclusion it is evident that Giuseppe Garibaldi's role in the Unification of Italy was a most distinctive and important one, whereby his heroic and courageous actions where most vital in bringing about the proposed 'Risorgimento' of Italy.