Italy in the Early Twentieth Century: Politics Flashcards
How was the Liberal government structured?
It was a constitutional monarchy where the king could appoint the Prime Minister and there were 2 houses within parliament - the senate and the chamber of deputies.
What was the voting franchise?
In 1881 the right to vote was extended from 600,000 men to 2 million.
What evidence is there to show that the liberal regime was weak?
There were 17 different governments between 1881 and 1914 and Italy had 29 prime ministers in 52 years
How did the poor effect the success of the political system?
They were excluded form politics and seen as ignorant and unpredictable.
Why was the Pope angry?
The liberal state had removed his powers and he saw liberalism as ungodly.
Who were excluded form the political system?
Radicals, republicans, socialists and anarchists were all excluded.
Why were there no political parties in the chamber of deputies?
Personal rivalries were important. It functioned through informal factions based on regional differences.
Who were the Left-liberals?
They favoured social reforms and were interested in improving conditions of the poor
Who were the Right-liberals?
They were conservative and did not want to make fundamental changes to the economy or structure of society.
What was transformismo?
The art of compromise - Bribery and corruption was a normal part of politics. Prime ministers were not democratically elected by the people.
How were workers organised?
Into trade unions, especially in the towns and cities. Through them they could bargain with employers better wages and conditions.
Where were the previous Italian colonies?
Eritrea and Somaliland and the defeat in Adowa in 1896 halted further expansion.
How did the liberal state gain some international security?
By joining the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary
