The Expedition of the Thousand

The Expedition of the Thousand, or "Spedizione dei Mille," was a pivotal military campaign in 1860 led by Italian nationalist Giuseppe Garibaldi. He assembled about 1,000 volunteers, known as the "Red Shirts," to liberate Sicily from Bourbon rule and unify Italy. The expedition began in Genoa and successfully landed in Sicily, capturing Palermo and further advancing on the mainland. This movement was crucial in the unification of Italy, contributing to the establishment of a unified Italian state. Garibaldi's efforts, along with support from other nationalist leaders, ultimately helped integrate various Italian territories into one nation by 1871.