Evaluate the contribution of Garibaldi to the unification of Italy.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the contribution of Garibaldi to the unification of Italy weighing up the strengths and limitations of his contributions. Candidates may argue that his military contributions in the numerous wars of independence, particularly the Sicilian/Neapolitan campaign of 1860, were significant in the process of unification but might evaluate the relative importance of different actions. Some may argue that his obsession with Rome, from the Roman Republic in 1849 to the numerous attempts to gain control of the city thereafter, helped highlight its importance as a symbol of a fully unified Italy. Some may argue that while Garibaldi’s contributions were significant the actions of Cavour and Victor Emmanuel in European diplomacy were a greater contribution to unification. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example Cavour’s use of Garibaldi’s actions for his own goals, the decline of the Austrian Empire or the need for economic consolidation and administrative centralization that pushed Italy towards unification. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the contribution of Garibaldi to the unification of Italy weighing up the strengths and limitations of his contributions. Some good knowledge was shown of Garibaldi's expedition to Sicily and Naples and of the roles of Cavour and Mazzini.