Post-war economic crisis Flashcards
1
Q
Why did Italy face severe economic problems in the years 1919-22?
A
- Largely because of its involvement in the First World War
2
Q
What were some of the examples of post-war problems?
A
- High inflation - had a huge impact on the cost of living, particularly in urban areas
- Businesses were affected when military contracts stopped, which caused rising unemployment
3
Q
How many Italians were unemployed by 1919?
A
2 million
4
Q
What did these post-war problems do towards the Liberal government?
A
- Made people turn against the gov - more anger and disillusionment - all social groups affected
- Became more willing to turn to political extremes
5
Q
How were southern Italians affected by the war?
A
- Because wartime food price inflation meant that they had more money from the food they sold - often economically independent - produce their own food - less affected
6
Q
What did economic problems lead to after 1918?
A
- An increase in militancy among urban workers after 1918
7
Q
What did militancy after 1918 include?
A
- Huge increases in strikes, ‘Two Red Years’
- 1919 - there were 1,663 strikes in industry
8
Q
What occurred in September 1920?
A
- ‘Occupation of the factories’ - 400,000 workers took over their factories - more and more people involved
9
Q
What was a serious issue amongst urban areas?
A
- Food shortages which led to food riots - caused by a sharp increase in food prices 1919
10
Q
What were elites concerned about?
A
- Industrialists feared a loss of influence
- Takeover of the country by the Socialist movement - felt they should have more power than the lower classes
11
Q
How were the middle classes disenchanted?
A
- Did not have unions to represent their interests
- Due to inflation, their savings had lost value and saw industrial workers gaining at their expense
- Extra tax pressure
12
Q
Who did the upper and middle class groups turn to?
A
- Fascism
13
Q
What was the main outcome of post-war problems?
A
- Created division in Italy
- Division between north and south over food
- Division between classes - elites and middle class thought liberal government favoured working class
