We cherished the same hostility to every form of tyranny: Transatlantic parallels and contacts between William Lloyd garrison and Giuseppe Mazzini, 1846-1872

This essay focuses on making connections and comparisons between American abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and Italian democratic nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini. It is well known that Garrison felt a particular affinity with Mazzini. Convinced of fighting for similar ideals - the liberation of slaves from exploitation and the acknowledgment of oppressed nationalities - Garrison and Mazzini developed a mutual admiration and friendship. They shared a common belief in the universality of human rights, and they both saw the abolition of slavery and national regeneration as crucial steps in humankind's march towards progress. My essay aims at highlighting an important aspect of both Garrison's and Mazzini's thought: their absolute conviction of being part of a transcontinental, transatlantic, and progressive nineteenth-century movement for the affirmation of liberty over oppression and slavery in all forms.