The farmer Garibaldi, hero of three worlds: the Americas, Italy, and Caprera
Giuseppe Garibaldi, renowned for his contributions to the unification of Italy and revolutionary activities worldwide, spent his later years farming on Caprera Island, embodying the spirit of liberty.
Giuseppe Garibaldi is often hailed as a preeminent hero in the context of Italian unification and is regarded as an emblematic figure who transcends national boundaries. Born in Nice while it was under French occupation, Garibaldi's life was marked by extensive travels in South America and beyond, where he became a permanent revolutionary. His narrative often highlights his unique identity, where he stated that he felt neither strictly Italian nor French, but rather fully identified with his cultivated land on Caprera Island.
From 1856 until his death in 1882, Garibaldi established a modern agricultural enterprise on Caprera, where he pursued agriculture and livestock breeding with the same fervor and intellect he applied to his military endeavors. This transformation from a legendary general fighting against foreign powers to a farmer on an Italian island illustrates the multifaceted nature of his legacy. Moreover, Garibaldi's teachings, encapsulated in his views of himself as 'one and trine'—representing the Father of the Fatherland, the Son of the People, and the Spirit of Liberty—further enrich his historical significance.
In essence, Garibaldi’s life serves as a compelling narrative of a man who is synonymous with freedom and national unity, embodying an innovative spirit whether he wielded a sword or a farming tool. His story continues to resonate culturally and politically in Italy, representing the ongoing quest for identity and the complexities of nationalism in both historical and contemporary contexts.