1. The Liberal State, 1911-18 Flashcards
What was the main issue with Italy’s political system?
It was dominated by Liberals who did little to help the poor which became a problem when franchise increased and their narrow interest groups became insufficient
What political groups/ideologies existed by 1910?
Liberals, socialists, Church (Catholic groups), nationalists
What were the main points of the Italian constitution?
equality before the law
right of free assembly
free press
What powers did the king have in Italy?
could appoint/dismiss ministers and senators incl. PM
controlled foreign policy
had executive powers
What percentage of Italy could vote until 1912?
25% of adult males
what is ‘trasformismo’? How else was the Italian government corrupt?
factions formed to create a coalition government
politicians bribed opponents or offer potential colleagues financial incentives
How many governments were there between 1870 and 1915?
20
What was the problem with the Deputies?
primarily served local interests instead of national ones so were open to switching allegiance if induced
What did the republicans/radicals want?
to call parliament to be called if 50+ asked for it
Deputies to be paid
genuine free speech, assembly and press
autonomy for local government
compulsory, free primary education
removal of king’s power to declare war and make treaties
social legislation on pensions and tighter rules on labour
no state intervention in the monarchy
What did the socialists want?
an economic struggle by organised workers for immediate advantages
long-term struggle at national level for control of gov
votes for all men
8-hour working day
women’s rights
What was the Catholic Church’s involvement in the political system?
due to anger over the Papal States being reduced, most Catholic politicians withdrew from politics in protest
considered socialism as godless and destructive which finally caused them to ally with Liberals
When did the Pope acknowledge the Kingdom of Italy?
1929
When was the Catholic Popular Party established?
1919
who did the nationalists draw support from? When did the nationalist party become a bigger movement?
lower-middle classes men --> small business owners who rejected liberal ideas e.g. parliamentary democracy disillusioned former supporters other groups e.g. Liberals, socialists after WW1 (1914 onwards)
What were nationalist policies?
anti-parliament
elitism
represented businessmen and producers over workers
anti-socialist
