The Battle of Mentana: A Pivotal Moment in Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome
The Battle of Mentana, fought on November 3, 1867, was a significant military engagement during the Italian unification process. It marked a decisive moment in the conflict between the forces of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the famed Italian nationalist, and those loyal to the Papal States, supported by the French. The battle occurred as part of Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome, an attempt to seize the Papal capital and bring it under the control of the Italian Kingdom. The clash, while not involving major massacres, had profound consequences on the course of Italian unification and the balance of power in the region.
Background and Prelude to the Battle
The backdrop to the Battle of Mentana lies in the turbulent period of the mid-19th century, a time of significant political upheaval in Italy. Garibaldi, a military leader and national hero, was one of the central figures in the movement for Italian unification, also known as the Risorgimento. By 1867, Italy had seen significant progress toward its unification, with many territories, including the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, having already joined the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. However, Rome, under the control of the Papal States and protected by French troops, remained an obstacle to the full unification of Italy.
Garibaldi’s vision of a united Italy included the liberation of Rome from papal rule. His first attempt, the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, had led to the unification of the southern part of the Italian peninsula, but Rome remained outside the Kingdom of Italy. The Pope, Pius IX, had resisted calls for the annexation of Rome into the Italian state, citing religious and political concerns. The French, under Napoleon III, had stationed troops in the city to protect the papacy, adding an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
In 1867, Garibaldi launched his second march on Rome. After a series of smaller engagements and movements, he gathered a force of around 8,000 volunteers, known as the “Redshirts,” and began advancing toward the capital. His aim was to capture Rome and place it under the control of the Italian Kingdom. However, the French, who were dedicated to protecting the papacy, would not allow this to happen without resistance.
The Forces Involved
The battle took place near the town of Mentana, located northeast of Rome. Garibaldi’s army, composed mostly of volunteers and led by the charismatic leader himself, faced off against a much larger and more experienced force. The Papal States, bolstered by French support, fielded an army of approximately 14,000 soldiers, including both French regulars and Papal troops. Additionally, reinforcements from the nearby town of Monterotondo, loyal to the Papal cause, played a key role in strengthening the defensive line against Garibaldi’s advancing forces.
The French forces were commanded by General Camille de Goyon, while Garibaldi took command of the Redshirts. The French army, which included experienced soldiers, artillery units, and cavalry, was far superior in terms of both training and equipment. In contrast, Garibaldi’s forces, although fiercely loyal and motivated, lacked the organizational structure and heavy weaponry of their opponents.
The Battle
On November 3, 1867, Garibaldi’s forces clashed with the French-Papal army in and around the small town of Mentana. The battle was fought on relatively flat terrain, providing little cover for either side. Despite their smaller numbers, Garibaldi’s troops were determined to break through the French lines and capture Rome. They launched several attacks throughout the day, attempting to penetrate the enemy’s defensive positions.
The battle, however, quickly turned in favor of the Papal and French forces. The French army, equipped with superior artillery and trained soldiers, held their ground against Garibaldi’s advancing forces. Moreover, the Papal troops reinforced the position, preventing Garibaldi from making any significant progress toward Rome.
The tide of battle shifted decisively when French reinforcements arrived, tipping the scales in favor of the defenders. Faced with overwhelming opposition and suffering heavy casualties, Garibaldi’s forces were forced to retreat. Garibaldi himself narrowly escaped capture, managing to flee the battlefield with a small group of his men.
Aftermath and Consequences
The Battle of Mentana was a resounding victory for the Papal States and their French allies. For Garibaldi and the Redshirts, it represented a significant setback in their quest for Rome. Although Garibaldi’s forces had managed to put up a determined resistance, the superior French military proved too much to overcome. The battle also marked the end of Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome, and with it, his immediate hopes of liberating the capital from papal and French control.
The defeat had several significant consequences for the Italian unification movement. First, it temporarily halted the push for a unified Italy under Garibaldi’s leadership. It also solidified the position of the Papal States as an independent entity, protected by French military power. Despite this, the battle did not end Garibaldi’s efforts, as he would later play a role in further unification campaigns, culminating in the eventual annexation of Rome in 1870, following the withdrawal of French troops due to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War.
For the Papal States, the victory at Mentana ensured that Rome remained under their control for several more years. However, the battle also demonstrated the tension between the Italian nationalist movement and the papacy, which would continue to simmer for years to come. Garibaldi’s supporters, known as the Redshirts, were still a formidable force, and the desire for a unified Italy would not be easily extinguished.
Garibaldi’s Legacy and the Path to Unification
Despite his defeat at Mentana, Garibaldi’s role in the Risorgimento was far from over. His legacy as one of the key figures in the unification of Italy remained intact, and the defeat did not diminish his popularity or influence. The battle, while a loss for Garibaldi and his supporters, ultimately helped galvanize the movement for a unified Italian state.
In the years following the Battle of Mentana, Italy’s unification would continue. The Franco-Prussian War in 1870 led to the withdrawal of French forces from Rome, and the Italian army, under King Victor Emmanuel II, was able to capture the city and incorporate it into the Kingdom of Italy. Rome would finally become the capital of the new Italian state, fulfilling Garibaldi’s vision of a unified Italy.
The Battle of Mentana is a pivotal moment in the broader context of Italian history, serving as a symbol of both the challenges and the resilience of the unification movement. While Garibaldi’s forces were ultimately defeated, the battle played a crucial role in the narrative of Italy’s path toward unification, showcasing the complex interplay between nationalistic aspirations, foreign influence, and internal political struggles.
Conclusion
The Battle of Mentana was a turning point in the struggle for a unified Italy. Although it ended in defeat for Garibaldi and his Redshirts, it highlighted the deep divisions within Italy, as well as the powerful influence of foreign powers, such as France, in the affairs of the Italian Peninsula. Garibaldi’s defeat at Mentana did not end his quest for unification, and in the larger scope of Italian history, it served as a crucial moment that eventually led to the eventual unification of the country in 1870. The Battle of Mentana remains an important chapter in the narrative of Italian nationalism and a testament to the persistence and determination of those who fought for a united Italy.
References:
- Showalter, D. (2014). Encyclopedia of Warfare. p. 594.
- Lehmann, C. (2000). The Garibaldi Campaigns and the Formation of Modern Italy.