Giuseppe Mazzini Biography
Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872) was a writer and political activist who strived to found a unified democratic republic of Italy. Throughout his life, he founded and supported revolutionary groups who sought to free Italy of foreign powers and unite the different states. During his lifetime, his aspirations were only partially fulfilled, and he considered himself to have failed. But, when Italy was finally united, Mazzini was credited with playing a significant role. Mazzini also helped define early ideas of a united Europe and was a leading figure in the European movement for popular democracy in a republican state.
Mazzini has been referred to as ‘the soul of Italy’ and ‘the beating heart of Italy’
Early Life Mazzini
Mazzini was born in Genoa, then part of the Ligurian Republic under the rule of the French Empire. His father was a university professor, and the young Mazzini proved to be a precocious intellect and voracious reader. At the age of only 14, he entered university, graduating with a law degree in 1826.
Although he became known as a revolutionary, people commented that the young Mazzini was kind, gentle and compassionate. He had a magnetic personality which drew many to him.
After graduating from university, Mazzini worked as a ‘poor man’s lawyer’ and also began a fledgling journalistic career. Mazzini took an active interest in politics and was drawn to the movement seeking to unify Italy and throw off foreign powers.
In 1827, he joined the Carbonari, a secret organisation working for Italian independence. However, the Carbonari had limited influence, and Mazzini was betrayed as it was broken up. As a result of his involvement in revolutionary activity, Mazzini spent six months in jail in Savona (1830-31). During his time in jail he became even more committed to the movement of working for an Italian republic. His term was “apostolate”- working to achieve “liberty of country” for “Italia.” In 1831, he was released, on the condition he would accept exile. “A Country is not a mere territory; the particular territory is only its foundation. The Country is the idea which rises upon that foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of fellowship which binds together all the sons of that territory.”