Who were the Redshirts in Italian history?

The Redshirts were a group of volunteers who followed the Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi during the 19th century, particularly during the period of Italian unification known as the Risorgimento. Garibaldi is best known for his role in unifying various Italian states into the Kingdom of Italy, and his followers donned red shirts, which became a symbol of the movement. These volunteers were crucial in Garibaldi's military campaigns, most notably in the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, where they played a significant role in the conquest of Sicily and Naples. Their efforts represented the popular support for the unification cause and Garibaldi's vision of a united Italy, emphasizing the romantic and heroic aspects of the nationalist movement.

The other options do not accurately represent the Redshirts' identity or role in Italian history. Members of the Italian Parliament were involved in governance, military leaders opposing unification would be contrary to the Redshirts' mission, and civilian supporters of the monarchy wouldn’t necessarily align with the republican and unification efforts championed by Garibaldi and his Redshirts.