Amnesty Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
“(Carmine Crocco) A farm-labourer and cowherd, had joined the Bourbon army, killed a comrade in a brawl, deserted and lived as an outlaw for ten years. He joined the liberal insurgents in 1860 in the hope of an amnesty for his past offences, and subsequently became the most formidable guerilla chief and leader of men on the Bourbon side.”
About This Quote
Source Historical account: 19th‑century Italian insurgencies, 1860s
A former laborer turned outlaw and later guerrilla leader sought amnesty, illustrating how personal survival motives can drive political allegiance.
In simple terms: A laborer became a guerrilla leader seeking pardon.
Key Takeaway
Survival can reshape loyalty.
Themes
politics
rebellion
identity
survival
leadership
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- revolutionary movements
- personal redemption
- military recruitment
- political negotiations
Key Concepts
amnesty
guerrilla warfare
social mobility
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives a person to switch sides?
- Can personal survival outweigh ideological commitment?
A Different Perspective
Amnesty may not guarantee lasting loyalty.
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