“Compare and Contrast of the roles of Cavour and Garibaldi in the process of Italian Unification”

Intro:

-Background information on Geographical Italy

-Introduce other major players that will not be analysed in the essay (Mazzini, King Vittorio Emanuele)

-Thesis:

Cavour and Garibaldi were both significant in the process of Italian unification, but they worked in two different fashions. Garibaldi was the “people’s man”, applying the knowledge learnt from his South American campaigns to this one. Cavour’s role was much more one based in politics. Even though they had different methods they both contributed to Italian unification.
 

Body Paragraph 1 Contrasts:

Ideology of the two

-Garibaldi wanted a united Italy and rallied to the monarchy not because he liked it, but saw it as the only chance for all of Italy to unite under one banner

-Cavour wanted a strong Piemonte not necessarily a unified Italy. He already was serving his king, and didn’t have any doubts that this would change

Modus operandi of the two

-Garibaldi had already been part of revolutions, and he put that knowledge to the test. He united Italy through arms, propaganda and image.

--He Managed to rally a makeshift army called Le Camicie Rosse (The red shirts) and as he advanced these grew in number and strength.

-Camillo Benso di Cavour was much less a field man, and much more a politician. He expanded the influence of Piemonte, made alliances with France and did all he could to harm Austria (which was a strong force against italian unification)

--He knew that popular opinion was needed to win this revolution/unification so he kept Garibaldi close, even though he often disagreed with him. Cavour knew that both the revolutionary and political mind needed to work together.   

Body Paragraph 2: Comparisons:

Both were vital to Italian unification

-Without Garibaldi’s image, charisma and military force it would have been impossible for Italian unification

-Without Cavour’s brilliant political genius and alliances he created Austria would have easily stopped Garibaldi’s efforts.

Both didn’t trust each other

-Cavour knew that they needed to work together even though they had vastly different ideals

-Garibaldi (post-unification) asked that Cavour be replaced in office because he was afraid that he was conspiring against him

Both pledged allegiance to Vittorio Emanuele

Conclusion

-Summary of Evidence

-Briefly mention that Italy eventually unifies not long after “La spedizione dei mille”

-Mention historiographical interpretations