In 1860, Garibaldi and the "Red Shirts" invaded and conquered parts of southern Italy, specifically the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This military campaign, known as the Expedition of the Thousand or Garibaldi's Expedition, was a crucial event in the process of Italian unification. Garibaldi, a prominent Italian nationalist and military leader, led a volunteer army of around a thousand men, known as the Red Shirts due to their distinctive attire. They embarked on a daring campaign, starting from Sicily and advancing northward, successfully capturing key cities and regions along the way. Their actions contributed to the eventual unification of Italy under the leadership of King Victor Emmanuel II and Prime Minister Count Camillo di Cavour.