Growing instability 1912-14 Flashcards
What significant change occurred regarding the franchise in Italy in 1912?
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.
What was Giolitti’s intention behind extending the franchise in 1912?
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.
What was the outcome of the elections in the summer of 1913 for Giolitti’s Liberals?
The number of seats declined from 370 to 318
Giolitti still managed to form a coalition government despite the decline.
Who did Giolitti form a coalition government with after the 1913 elections?
The Catholic Union by signing the Gentiloni Pact
This coalition was formed to secure enough support to maintain a majority.
What political concessions did Giolitti have to make to secure Catholic support?
He granted concessions to Catholics while losing support from Radicals and Socialists
This shift was necessary as the conservative peasants supported Catholics over Liberals.
True or False: The extension of the franchise in 1912 was beneficial for Giolitti as he expected.
False
The expected support from conservative peasants did not materialize as anticipated.
Fill in the blank: The number of Catholic Deputies rose from 20 to ______ after the 1913 elections.
29
This increase indicated a shift in political support towards the Catholic Union.
What was a significant factor leading to growing instability in Italy during this period?
The reliance on Catholic support for coalition government
This reliance forced Giolitti to make political concessions that alienated other groups.
What strategy did Giolitti use to make his coalition work?
He sought compromises with the Catholics.
What was one compromise Giolitti made with the Catholics?
Making civil marriages precede a religious service.
Who were the Radical ministers forced to resign from Giolitti’s government in 1914?
Ettore Sacchi and Luigi Credaro.
Why did the Radical ministers resign from Giolitti’s government?
In protest at his pro-Catholic policies.
What was the Radicals’ belief regarding the Vatican’s role in politics?
The Vatican should have no role within the Italian political system.
When did the Radicals withdraw their support from Giolitti’s coalition?
February 1914.
What event prompted Giolitti’s resignation in 1914?
The dissolution of his coalition and opposition to his political methods
Giolitti’s resignation was seen as a betrayal by those who supported him.
When did Giolitti resign as prime minister?
21 March 1914
Giolitti remained a Deputy after his resignation.
What characterized the new political parties that emerged after Giolitti’s resignation?
They were organized and ideologically motivated
Unlike the Liberals, these parties were not a loose grouping.
What was the primary appeal of Giolitti’s policies?
They primarily appealed to an elite
Giolitti lacked a mass party to support him.
According to historian Martin Clark, what type of governments emerged after 1913?
Nationalist, Catholic, or both
This shift in government type was linked to the rise of aggressive politics.
What did Giolitti hope for after resigning from office?
To rebuild his reputation and return successfully to government
Giolitti believed his resignation would allow for future opportunities.
True or False: Giolitti’s resignation marked the continuation of his political system.
False
It was seen as the end of Giolitti’s ‘system’.
Fill in the blank: Giolitti’s resignation was prompted by the _______ of his coalition.
dissolution
The dissolution led to a wall of opposition against him.
What was the political climate like prior to the outbreak of the First World War?
A more aggressive politics emerged
This period was characterized by heightened political tensions.
What did Italy do after WW1 broke out
Declared itself neutral
When was the archduke Ferdinand assassinated
In Sarajevo on 28 June 1914
