Italy in the 20th century
History of Italy between the World Wars until today
Italy's new self-confidence was soon marked by an intense politics of great power, and led to an active involvement in the colonization of Africa. Although part of the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany, Italy first stayed neutral in the World War I. Only the promise of the areas South Tyrol, Trieste and Dalmatia led the Italians to break the alliance and to enter the war on the side of the Allied. The disappointments and losses of World War I paved the way for fascism in Italy. Italy under Mussolini joined the war on Germany’s side and ended it after heavy losses on the Allied side. Despite a further turbulent history, Italy is now a founding member of the EU and has stabilized its place in the European Community.
Great power politics and World War I
After the foundation of the state, Italy drove forward the internal unification of the country, the upgrade of arms and the industrialization - but only in Northern Italy. Southern Italy remained underdeveloped, which is displayed today in a strong north-south contrast. The strong self-confidence of the young kingdom brought with it a strong great power politics. The attempt to play along with the great powers of Europe led to colonial efforts in Africa and the Middle East. Although Italy was part of the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and the German Empire, it remained neutral at first in World War I. When England and France with a secret treaty assured the Austrian regions of South Tyrol, Trieste and even Dalmatia, Italy changed sides and joined the Allies in the war. After heavy losses against the Austrians at the Isonzo, in 1918, Italy was part of the victorious powers – but heavy casualties and 600,000 dead hit the young country hard.
Fascism in Italy and World War II
Despite the secret agreement, Italy could enforce only parts of its territorial claims at theend of World War I. The disappointment and serious economic and social problems paved the way for fascism in Italy. Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party of Italy and marked the country for 23 years with aggressive repression and terrorism. Mussolini installed the Rome-Berlin axis and together with Hitler's Germany enforced a very aggressive foreign policy. When Italy entered the Second World War on Germany's side, increasingly heavy losses and increased dependence on Germany led to an upraise of the anti-fascist forces. Without further ado, Mussolini was arrested and Italy surrendered. While the Allies landed in Southern Italy, Germany conquered the whole of Northern Italy and freed Mussolini. The war raged for two years on the peninsula before Italy was finally freed.
History of Italy until today
With the help of the Marshall Plan, the country was rebuilt after World War II and in 1946 transformed into a parliamentary republic. The following transatlantic economic boom reached again mainly Northern Italy and intensified the contrast within the country. Southern Italy in particular became a country of emigration. More than two million Italians moved to Northern Italy or to foreign countries - especially to Germany. As a founding member of the European Union and a member of NATO and the United Nations, Italy has established its place in the world in terms of foreign policy. Domestically, however, the country struggled from one crisis to the next. Corruption, mafia and the disagreement of many smallest and small parties prohibit the country to rest. 61 different governments in 62 years are an impressive evidence of the internal instability. Ironically, it was one of the most controversial politicians, the media mogul Silvio Berlusconi who governed the country successfully at least over a longer period - although with often questionable, almost dictatorial methods. Therefore, it remains to be seen what the history of Italy will bring in the future.
