The Battle of Monterotondo (1867): A Defining Moment in Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome
The Battle of Monterotondo, fought on the 3rd of October 1867, was a pivotal conflict in the context of the Italian unification movement, known as the Risorgimento. It occurred during Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome, an event aimed at overthrowing the Papal States and facilitating the unification of Italy under the leadership of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Despite its relatively small scale compared to other battles of the time, the outcome of the Battle of Monterotondo had significant implications for the future of Italy and its political landscape.
Background: The Struggle for Italian Unity
In the mid-19th century, Italy was fragmented into multiple independent states, many of which were under foreign control or dominated by powerful institutions like the Papacy. The unification of Italy, a goal that had been championed by various reformists, was a complex and multifaceted process. One of the most prominent figures in the Risorgimento was Giuseppe Garibaldi, a revolutionary and military leader who sought to unify Italy through a series of military campaigns.
By the time of the Battle of Monterotondo in 1867, Italy had been partially unified under the Kingdom of Sardinia. However, the Papal States—territories controlled by the Pope—remained a significant obstacle to the complete unification of Italy. The Papacy’s refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the Kingdom of Italy fueled tensions, with Garibaldi and his supporters advocating for the removal of papal rule over central Italy.
Garibaldi had previously attempted a march on Rome in 1862, but this had been thwarted by the French military, which had been stationed in Rome to protect the Pope. Undeterred, Garibaldi embarked on his second attempt to march on Rome in 1867, with the goal of liberating the city from papal control and establishing it as the capital of a unified Italy.
The Campaign: Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome
Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome began in earnest in the summer of 1867, with the leader rallying his supporters—known as the “Redshirts”—to fight against the forces of the Papal States. The march was motivated by both ideological and practical considerations, as Garibaldi hoped to bolster Italian nationalism and gain international recognition for the Italian cause. His goal was not only to expel the papal authorities from Rome but also to increase the pressure on the Kingdom of Sardinia to complete the unification process.
However, Garibaldi’s march faced considerable opposition. The Papal States, under the leadership of Pope Pius IX, were supported by the French, who had an interest in maintaining papal sovereignty in central Italy. The French presence in Rome provided significant military support to the papal forces, making any attempt to take the city exceedingly difficult.
As Garibaldi’s forces approached Rome, the Papal States, with French backing, made preparations to defend their territory. The battle that took place at Monterotondo would be a key moment in this larger struggle, representing both the military might of the papal forces and the determination of Garibaldi’s Redshirts.
The Battle of Monterotondo
Monterotondo, a small town located about 20 kilometers north of Rome, became the site of a fierce confrontation on October 3, 1867. The battle involved forces from Rome, Italy, Austria, and the Papal States, with Garibaldi’s Redshirts engaging the papal army in an attempt to push toward Rome.
The outcome of the battle was a significant victory for Garibaldi and his supporters, who succeeded in defeating the papal forces. Despite being outnumbered and facing a more heavily armed enemy, Garibaldi’s troops displayed remarkable discipline and tenacity, overpowering the papal defenders. The victory at Monterotondo allowed Garibaldi’s forces to gain a foothold closer to Rome, advancing further in their quest to liberate the city.
However, the success of the battle was not without its challenges. The Papal States, supported by the French military, continued to resist Garibaldi’s progress. The Redshirts’ victory at Monterotondo was short-lived, as Garibaldi was soon forced to retreat due to the intervention of French forces, which ultimately led to his defeat and the suppression of the Second March on Rome.
The Aftermath: Consequences and Significance
Although Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome ended in failure, the Battle of Monterotondo marked an important moment in the Italian unification process. The victory demonstrated the strength and resolve of Garibaldi’s forces and their commitment to Italian nationalism. It also underscored the complexities of the struggle for Italian unity, particularly the influence of foreign powers such as France, which were determined to preserve the Papal States.
The battle also had symbolic significance. Despite the defeat that followed, the Redshirts’ efforts were widely celebrated as part of the broader movement for Italian unification. Garibaldi’s legacy as a national hero was further solidified, and his vision for a united Italy continued to inspire future generations of Italians.
In the years following the battle, Italy would ultimately succeed in completing its unification. Rome, which had remained under papal control throughout the Risorgimento, would become the capital of Italy in 1870, following the withdrawal of French troops and the eventual collapse of papal resistance.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Monterotondo
The Battle of Monterotondo stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought for the unification of Italy. Although it was a relatively small-scale battle in the broader context of the Risorgimento, its significance cannot be understated. It represented a critical moment in the struggle for Italian independence and the end of papal rule over the central Italian territories.
In the grand narrative of Italian unification, Garibaldi’s Second March on Rome and the Battle of Monterotondo symbolize the spirit of resistance and the desire for a unified Italian state. While Garibaldi did not achieve his immediate goal of capturing Rome, the battle demonstrated the power of popular mobilization and the strength of Garibaldi’s Redshirts.
The eventual success of the Italian unification movement, culminating in the formation of the Kingdom of Italy and the establishment of Rome as its capital, owes much to the efforts of Garibaldi and his followers. The battle for Monterotondo, though not a decisive military victory, played a crucial role in the broader struggle, helping to shape the path toward a united Italy.