What Was the Garibaldi Profession?

The Life of Giuseppe Garibaldi

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian patriot and revolutionary who lived from 1807 to 1882. He was an important figure in the unification of Italy and is considered a national hero in the country. Before his life of politics and military service, Garibaldi led a fascinating life and had a number of different occupations.

Early Years as a Merchant

In the early years of his life, Garibaldi worked as a merchant sailor in his native city of Nice. He was involved in the lucrative trade between Italy and the Americas, traveling to ports in South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. He was also a member of the Carbonari, a secret revolutionary society that sought to overthrow the rule of the Austrian Empire in Italy.

Military Career in South America

In 1836, Garibaldi left Italy and began a new career in South America. He fought alongside revolutionaries in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina to help them achieve independence from the Portuguese and Spanish empires. He was known for his bravery in battle and his charisma as a leader. He also developed a reputation for his compassion, which led to him being known as the “Hero of the Two Worlds”.

Return to Italy and Political Career

In 1848, Garibaldi returned to Italy and fought on the side of revolutionaries in the struggle for Italian unification. He was instrumental in the success of the revolutionaries and soon became a leader of the movement. He was elected to the Italian Parliament in 1849 and served as the governor of Rome from 1849 to 1850. He was also an important figure in the Risorgimento, the unification of Italy into a single state.

Later Years

After his years of military and political service, Garibaldi retired from public life. He spent his later years in Caprera, a small island off the coast of Sardinia. He died in 1882 at the age of 75. He was buried in his native city of Nice, where he is still remembered as a national hero.