Garibaldi

Expedition of the Thousand

The Expedition of the Thousand was a military campaign led by Garibaldi in 1860.
It was one of the most important steps that led to the new unification of Italy.

The expedition se said on may 5, 1860 from Quarto a district of Genoa, on two steam boats by the name of II Piemonte and II Lombardo, on their way to Sicily. the group was mainly formed by volunteers, mostly northern Italians (including women), called Mille. the ships landed of Marsal on May 11, where they met up with the British. The Lombardo was attacked and sunk while the Piemonte was captured.
On May 14, Garibaldi announced that he was going to be dictator of Sicily


At Calatafimi, the Mille won their first battle that boosted their morale.
On May 27, the laid siege on Plaermo. the battle was easily won due to the city being caught by surprise under the order of General Ferdinando.

They moved on towards that wast and began the Battle of Milazzo, on may 31. Once again, Garibaldi was successful. His pace of victories worried Cavour, who sent him a proposal if immediate annexation of Sicily to Piedmont. Garibaldi refused and was arrested and expelled from the island.
In June, 1860 Garibaldi created the Esercito Meridionale ("Southern Army"), where he cunningly sent some of his men in disguises of Neopolitan soldiers; and on July 20, he attacked with another victory.
They then landed on Calabria on August 19. He was informed not to cross the strait, but disobeyed Cavour's request.

In the Battle of Volturnus ,Garibaldi was unable to defeat the Neapolitan Army; after that he started to lose power.
Garibaldi asked the King to allow him to remain as dictator in the former Two Sicilies and have his officers be integrated in the new Italian army. Th ing refused, thus Garibaldi was sent home.
However, under the order of Francis II , they were able to hold out. But in February, 1861 he surrendered.
In March 1861, the new Kingdom of Italy was established.