The Liberal State C1911-18 Flashcards
What were the key problems facing Italy in the early 20th century?
Unification, political system in Italy, Economic growth and social problems, North-South divide and Italy as a great power
When did Italy become a nation and when was it fully unified?
Italy became a nation in 1861 and was fully unified by 1870
What were Italians used to identifying with?
With their local town or region as they were defined by campanilismo (feeling of pride or belonging to place of birth)
What percentage of Italians spoke a regional dialect?
99%
What dialect did King Emmanuel II speak?
Piedmont dialect
What happened in May 1898?
Protests against Italys political system and growing economic problems so there was a violent government crackdown where 100 protestors were killed in Milan
What happened on the 29th of July 1900?
For example, Pope Leo XIII forbade Catholics from running for office or voting in general elections which robbed Italy of a unifying symbol and questioned the legitimacy of the new nation
Who was parliament predominantly made up of?
Northern professionals, middle class who tended to represent the interest of their own class and the expense of the nation
What was political development hampered by?
Attitude of the Catholic Church and the Roman Question
What was the Roman Question?
Pope Pius was angered at the capture of Rome in 1870 and the loss of the Papal territory so refused to recognise the new Italian state
How did the Roman Question interfere with politics?
For example, Pope Leo XIII forbade Catholics from running for office or voting in general elections which robbed Italy of a unifying symbol and questioned the legitimacy of
Why was there no parliamentary challenge to the liberal middle class?
Lack of popular opposition and less than 25% of men had the vote
How would governments be formed?
Prominent politicians would offer key positions to deputies would then agree to support the prime minister
Why were governments short lived?
Politicians could withdraw their support from their political party if offered a better deal by another deputy
What was trasformismo?
The skill in forming political alliances by knowing how to buy the support of deputies
What was trasformismo characterised by?
Corruption, frequent changes in government and the inability to pass legislation that would improve Italians lives
What reinforced divide between classes?
Protests Being met with violent military repression
What happened between 1899-1914?
Italy experienced a considerable amount of economic expansion and industrialisation in the North of the country
What industry’s grew significantly?
Iron and steel, newer chemical, mechanical and electrical industries aswell as the car industry as companies such as Fiat and Alfredo Romeo established
