Problems facing Italy by 1911

Question 1

When was Italy unified?

Answer 1

1870

Question 2

What could the king do after unification?

Answer 2

• king could appoint/dismiss PM, senators, gov officials and control foreign policy

Question 3

What was the structure of government in Italy?

Answer 3

Constitutional monarchy

Question 4

Who was the first Italian Prime Minister?

Answer 4

Giolitti

Question 5

What were some political issues Italy faced by 1911?

Answer 5

• limited franchise, until 1912 the vote was given to most men
• Deputies often served local interest than national ones, open to bribes
• 20 different governments between 1870 and 1915
• Political parties were so weak, coalitions were made (transformissmo)
• nationalism and socialism
• after 1912 Liberals faced competition as they only represented professional classes
• radicals/republicans seen as threat to liberals

Question 6

What were some social problems Italy faced by 1911?

Answer 6

• Poverty increasing in south
• 69% of Italians were illiterate in 1870 in south, 80% in north
• cholera, typhus, malaria
• Catholic church was hostile to Italy because papal states were taken , 1913 alliance was formed
• modernisation in agriculture in north of Italy increased social division (north/south divide)

Question 7

What were some of the economic problems Italy faced by 1911?

Answer 7

• Industry was limited and localised due to lack of resources and poor transport and communication
• natural disasters in southern Italy/ lack of aid = anger
• 1910 North had 40% of Italy’s wealth whereas south 27%
• significant economic growth despite problems, industrial production doubled from 1889-1910
• eco growth limited to north (55% industrial outcome Milan)
• attempts to improve economy damage south
• dependant on agriculture

Question 8

What were some problems with people in Italy by 1911?

Answer 8

• 1890’s 200,000 Italians (south) emigrated each year, their skills could have been used to strengthen the economy
• high infant mortality rates (40% of deaths were under 5 years old )
• gaining colonies means national identity, but Italy defeated (Battle of Adowa in Abyssina 1896 was humiliation)

Question 9

What were the key political groups ?

Answer 9

• Liberals
• Nationalists
• Catholics
• Socialists