Reasons To Join WW1

Question 1

Treaty of London 1915

Answer 1

The promise of rewards for Italy joining Triple Entente.

Parliament, although overwhelmingly in favour of neutrality, accepted the decision for war.

-On 26 April 1915, Italy agreed to enter the war on the side of the Entente by signing the Treaty of London. In return, Italy was to receive

· the South Tyrol,
· Trentino,
· Istria,
· Trieste and
· Much of Dalmatia.

The treaty was secret and Italy were also promised
war reparations

Question 2

Dislike for Austro-Hungary

Answer 2

The Triple Alliance was declared defunct by Italy after it claimed Austria-Hungary had broken the terms of the Alliance by invading Serbia without its consent.

Decision was welcomed by the vast majority of Italians, especially due to their hostility to Austria-Hungary, who had resisted Italian unification and occupied Trentino and Istria, which were both Italian-speaking regions.

Question 3

Nationalist Campaign

Answer 3

Nationalists began to promote the idea of entering the war – not on the side of the alliance but rather the entente powers. —> Mussolini
.gain land back
.sense of patriotism

Nationalists were frustrated by the lack of willingness to put Italy firmly on the European political stage

Were embarrassed by its defeat in Abyssinia in 1896. The mass-emigration was a disgrace

-Some even believed that to truly achieve Irredentia Italy should wage war against Austria-Hungary alone.

-Rallies: Gabrielle D’Annuzio gave inflammatory speeches in Rome (30,000 in attendance)

-Neutralists seen as traitors and staying neutral would have no benefits after the war. Giolitti seen as traito

Question 4

Individual ambition

Answer 4

Salandra wanted to consolidate power and remove Giolitti from gaining power. Salandra was current PM of Italy

-Salandra wanted to get as much land off Austria as he could- to good an opportunity to miss!