Why did Giuseppe Garibaldi want Rome to become the capital of Italy?

Giuseppe Garibaldi viewed Rome as the essential center for a unified Italy. His commitment to this goal was rooted in his belief that the various Italian states could and should be consolidated into a single nation, free from foreign rule and the temporal authority of the papacy, which he saw as a barrier to unification.12

Garibaldi’s dedication to this cause was demonstrated throughout his life:

• The Roman Republic: In 1849, Garibaldi served as a deputy in the Roman Assembly and proposed that Rome become an independent republic. He later led a spirited, though ultimately unsuccessful, defense of the city against French forces.13
• National Symbolism: For Garibaldi and other Italian nationalists, capturing Rome was the final, necessary step to complete the Risorgimento. Even after the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, he remained impatient with diplomatic delays and repeatedly attempted to march on Rome to secure it as the nation's capital.45

Ultimately, Garibaldi’s efforts helped inspire the national movement that led to the city's incorporation into Italy in 1870.35