History Known By Few, An Allegiance Felt By Many

In the annals of history, there are countless stories of heroism, sacrifice, and betrayal. But there are also stories of forgotten alliances, allegiances that have shaped the course of human events but have been largely lost to time. One such story is the alliance between the United States and the Kingdom of Sardinia in the 19th century.

Marooned for Life: A History Known by Few, An Allegiance Felt by Many

by Richard Lloyd Parry

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Language	:	English
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The Kingdom of Sardinia was a small, relatively obscure kingdom in northwestern Italy. But in the 1840s, it found itself on the front lines of the Italian unification movement. The movement was led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, a charismatic soldier and nationalist who dreamed of uniting all of Italy under one banner.

Garibaldi's forces were outnumbered and outgunned by the Austrian army, which controlled much of northern Italy. But Garibaldi had a secret weapon: the support of the United States.

The United States had no official interest in the Italian unification movement. But many Americans sympathized with Garibaldi's cause, and they saw an opportunity to weaken the power of Austria, which was seen as a threat to American commerce and expansion.

In 1849, the United States sent a squadron of ships to the Mediterranean Sea, ostensibly to protect American interests. But the squadron's real mission was to support Garibaldi's forces. The American ships provided Garibaldi with weapons, supplies, and logistical support. They also helped to evacuate Garibaldi's troops from Sicily after a failed invasion of the island.

The American support for Garibaldi's forces was a major factor in the success of the Italian unification movement. Garibaldi's forces were able to defeat the Austrian army and unite Italy under one banner. The United States' role in this victory was largely forgotten, but it was a significant moment in the history of both countries.

The alliance between the United States and the Kingdom of Sardinia is a reminder that even the smallest of countries can have a big impact on the course of history. It is also a reminder that the United States has a long history of supporting democratic movements around the world.

Further Reading

• The Garibaldi Collection at the Library of Congress
• Giuseppe Garibaldi at Encyclopedia Britannica
• Human Rights Report: Italy 2009

Marooned for Life: A History Known by Few, An Allegiance Felt by Many

by Richard Lloyd Parry

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8454 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE