Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of…
Full specification wording
Paper 2, Option 2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of Italy, 1856–61: Garibaldi’s takeover of the south in 1860: Garibaldi’s aims and objectives; Garibaldi’s relationship with Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II; expedition to and success in Sicily; invasion and takeover of Naples.
Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign began with clear aims and objectives: to liberate the south from Bourbon rule and achieve Italian unification under a liberal monarchy.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign began with clear aims and objectives: to liberate the south from Bourbon rule and achieve Italian unification under a liberal monarchy. His relationship with Cavour was tense; Cavour distrusted Garibaldi’s radicalism, while Garibaldi resented Piedmontese caution. Conversely, Garibaldi maintained loyalty to Victor Emmanuel II, viewing him as Italy's future king. The expedition to Sicily saw the Thousand land at Marsala in May 1860. With local support, Garibaldi achieved success in Sicily, defeating Bourbon forces at Calatafimi and securing Palermo. He then launched the invasion and takeover of Naples, crossing to the mainland and entering Naples on 7 September 1860, before decisively defeating the remaining Bourbon army at the Battle of Volturno in October.
What earns the marks
- Explains Garibaldi’s aims and objectives: liberation of the Bourbon south and unification under Victor Emmanuel II.
- Analyses the relationship with Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II, contrasting Cavour's suspicion and attempts at control with Garibaldi's loyalty to the King.
- Describes the expedition to and success in Sicily, including the landing at Marsala, victory at Calatafimi, and the capture of Palermo.
- Explains the invasion and takeover of Naples, correctly sequencing the entry into Naples in September 1860 followed by the victory at Volturno in October.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating Garibaldi’s aims as purely republican in 1860.
Put it right: Garibaldi was willing to accept a monarchy under Victor Emmanuel II to achieve unification.
Assuming Cavour supported Garibaldi’s expedition from the start.
Put it right: Cavour was initially opposed and later tried to control its outcome.
Placing the Battle of Volturno before the entry into Naples.
Put it right: Garibaldi entered Naples on 7 September 1860, before the Battle of Volturno on 1–2 October.
Exam tips
- Use specific dates and places (e.g., May 1860, Marsala, Calatafimi, Palermo, Naples, Volturno) to accurately sequence the expedition and takeover.
- Compare and contrast the aims of Garibaldi and Cavour to show a nuanced understanding of their complex relationship.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 2, Option 2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70 - 3 The creation of the Kingdom of Italy, 1856–61: Garibaldi’s takeover of the south in 1860: Garibaldi’s aims and objectives; Garibaldi’s relationship with Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II; expedition to and success in Sicily; invasion and takeover of Naples. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In 1860, which island did Garibaldi and his Thousand sail from Genoa to invade, defeating the Bourbon forces there?
Listen
Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign began with clear aims and objectives: to liberate the south from Bourbon rule and achieve Italian unification under a liberal monarchy. His relationship with Cavour was tense; Cavour distrusted Garibaldi’s radicalism, while Garibaldi resented Piedmontese caution. Conversely, Garibaldi maintained loyalty to Victor Emmanuel II, viewing him as Italy's future king. The expedition to Sicily saw the Thousand land at Marsala in May 1860. With local support, Garibaldi achieved success in Sicily, defeating Bourbon forces at Calatafimi and securing Palermo. He then launched the invasion and takeover of Naples, crossing to the mainland and entering Naples on 7 September 1860, before decisively defeating the remaining Bourbon army at the Battle of Volturno in October. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Garibaldi’s aims and objectives: liberation of the Bourbon south and unification under Victor Emmanuel II. Analyses the relationship with Cavour and Victor Emmanuel II, contrasting Cavour's suspicion and attempts at control with Garibaldi's loyalty to the King. Describes the expedition to and success in Sicily, including the landing at Marsala, victory at Calatafimi, and the capture of Palermo. Explains the invasion and takeover of Naples, correctly sequencing the entry into Naples in September 1860 followed by the victory at Volturno in October. A common slip: treating Garibaldi’s aims as purely republican in 1860. Instead, Garibaldi was willing to accept a monarchy under Victor Emmanuel II to achieve unification. Exam tip: Use specific dates and places (e.g., May 1860, Marsala, Calatafimi, Palermo, Naples, Volturno) to accurately sequence the expedition and takeover.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Revolutionary nationalism and military campaigns
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Leadership and popular support in the south
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Tensions between diplomacy and radical action
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See every definition
- Revolutionary nationalism and military campaigns
- Garibaldi's aims were to liberate the south from Bourbon rule and achieve Italian unification under a liberal monarchy through his 1860 campaign.
- Leadership and popular support in the south
- With local support, Garibaldi achieved success in Sicily, defeating Bourbon forces at Calatafimi and securing Palermo.
- Tensions between diplomacy and radical action
- Cavour distrusted Garibaldi's radicalism and tried to control the outcome, while Garibaldi resented Piedmontese caution but remained loyal to Victor Emmanuel II.
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