The significance of Victory Flashcards
When did Italy’s prospect start to brighten?
by October 1918 as the Austro-Hungarian empire was near to collapse.
Why did Orlando encourage Diaz to attack when Italy’s prospects started to brighten?
Diaz believed that a victory would help their position in negotiations which would come about after the war.
What was the offensive across the Piave?
This commenced on 24th October 1918, entering the town of Vittorio Veneto, splitting the Austrian army in 2. Austria signed the armistice on 4th November 1918 resulting in the ending of the war in Italy.
What did the battle of Vittorio Veneto mean?
It was seen as a symbol of the greatest movement of the Italian nation and promoted by nationalists as showing the glory of Italy. Mussolini would later link this to his appointment of prime minister and success of fascism. Salandra proclaimed the victory represented patriotism and self-sacrifice he believed the war would bring about.
What had Italy actually won?
Despite this victory, it was hard to see what Italy had won - they had suffered 650,000 casualties, and the north-south divide was greater than ever with the economy being steeped in debt and inflation. From now on there would be a greater division than ever between those who believed and backed the war and those who were against intervention. The government faced the responsibility of their promises to the peasantry and returning soldiers wanted compensation for the sacrifice they had made.
