Growing instability 1912-14

Question 1

What significant change occurred regarding the franchise in Italy in 1912?

Answer 1

The franchise was extended to all literate men over 21 and all men over 30 regardless of literacy

This change was partly influenced by the Libyan war of 1911-12.

Question 2

What was Giolitti’s intention behind extending the franchise in 1912?

Answer 2

To stabilize politics by gaining votes from conservative peasants and support from grateful Socialists

Giolitti believed that more votes from these groups would strengthen his government.

Question 3

What was the outcome of the elections in the summer of 1913 for Giolitti’s Liberals?

Answer 3

The number of seats declined from 370 to 318

Giolitti still managed to form a coalition government despite the decline.

Question 4

Who did Giolitti form a coalition government with after the 1913 elections?

Answer 4

The Catholic Union by signing the Gentiloni Pact

This coalition was formed to secure enough support to maintain a majority.

Question 5

What political concessions did Giolitti have to make to secure Catholic support?

Answer 5

He granted concessions to Catholics while losing support from Radicals and Socialists

This shift was necessary as the conservative peasants supported Catholics over Liberals.

Question 6

True or False: The extension of the franchise in 1912 was beneficial for Giolitti as he expected.

Answer 6

False

The expected support from conservative peasants did not materialize as anticipated.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The number of Catholic Deputies rose from 20 to ______ after the 1913 elections.

Answer 7

29

This increase indicated a shift in political support towards the Catholic Union.

Question 8

What was a significant factor leading to growing instability in Italy during this period?

Answer 8

The reliance on Catholic support for coalition government

This reliance forced Giolitti to make political concessions that alienated other groups.

Question 9

What strategy did Giolitti use to make his coalition work?

Answer 9

He sought compromises with the Catholics.

Question 10

What was one compromise Giolitti made with the Catholics?

Answer 10

Making civil marriages precede a religious service.

Question 11

Who were the Radical ministers forced to resign from Giolitti’s government in 1914?

Answer 11

Ettore Sacchi and Luigi Credaro.

Question 12

Why did the Radical ministers resign from Giolitti’s government?

Answer 12

In protest at his pro-Catholic policies.

Question 13

What was the Radicals’ belief regarding the Vatican’s role in politics?

Answer 13

The Vatican should have no role within the Italian political system.

Question 14

When did the Radicals withdraw their support from Giolitti’s coalition?

Answer 14

February 1914.

Question 15

What event prompted Giolitti’s resignation in 1914?

Answer 15

The dissolution of his coalition and opposition to his political methods

Giolitti’s resignation was seen as a betrayal by those who supported him.

Question 16

When did Giolitti resign as prime minister?

Answer 16

21 March 1914

Giolitti remained a Deputy after his resignation.

Question 17

What characterized the new political parties that emerged after Giolitti’s resignation?

Answer 17

They were organized and ideologically motivated

Unlike the Liberals, these parties were not a loose grouping.

Question 18

What was the primary appeal of Giolitti’s policies?

Answer 18

They primarily appealed to an elite

Giolitti lacked a mass party to support him.

Question 19

According to historian Martin Clark, what type of governments emerged after 1913?

Answer 19

Nationalist, Catholic, or both

This shift in government type was linked to the rise of aggressive politics.

Question 20

What did Giolitti hope for after resigning from office?

Answer 20

To rebuild his reputation and return successfully to government

Giolitti believed his resignation would allow for future opportunities.

Question 21

True or False: Giolitti’s resignation marked the continuation of his political system.

Answer 21

False

It was seen as the end of Giolitti’s ‘system’.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Giolitti’s resignation was prompted by the _______ of his coalition.

Answer 22

dissolution

The dissolution led to a wall of opposition against him.

Question 23

What was the political climate like prior to the outbreak of the First World War?

Answer 23

A more aggressive politics emerged

This period was characterized by heightened political tensions.

Question 24

What did Italy do after WW1 broke out

Answer 24

Declared itself neutral

Question 25

When was the archduke Ferdinand assassinated

Answer 25

In Sarajevo on 28 June 1914