Booklet 2 - (1918-1920) Post-war challenges to the Liberal State

Question 1

Why did Italian Nationalists describe the results of WWI as a ‘mutilated victory’?

Answer 1

Because Italy felt cheated as they didn’t get all the land promised in the Treaty of London and faced a huge recession despite financial gain

The term reflects the sentiment that the cost of victory outweighed the benefits.

Question 2

What was the significance of the occupation of Fiume?

Answer 2

It proved the Italian State was weak-willed and unable to stop the rise of extremism in politics

D’Annunzio’s actions paved the way for fascism in Italy.

Question 3

Which groups began to turn to extremist politics and why?

Answer 3

• Nationalists became more right-wing to counter socialism
• Centralised liberals divided into socialists and nationalists
• Futurists influenced revolutionary attitudes

The division was exacerbated by the Bolshevik revolution in Russia.

Question 4

Define mutilated victory.

Answer 4

Feeling that ‘winning’ was not worth the price paid

It implies that the toll of participation was heavier than not participating at all.

Question 5

What is the Roman salute?

Answer 5

The salute first adopted by D’Annunzio’s cult in Fiume, later copied by Mussolini and Hitler

It became a symbol of fascist ideology.

Question 6

Who were the Futurists?

Answer 6

A cultural movement in the 1900s focused on violent revolution and rebuilding Italy

They were considered proto-fascists.

Question 7

What was Italy’s role in the League of Nations after WWI?

Answer 7

Italy became a member with a permanent seat on the executive council alongside Britain, France, and Japan

They received land compensation after WWI but not Dalmatia, which was highly desired.

Question 8

Define petty bourgeoisie.

Answer 8

The class between the lower class and middle class that tries to grasp onto power

This group often feels threatened by social changes.

Question 9

What did the Sacchi Law (1919) accomplish?

Answer 9

• Eliminated husbands’ superiority in family law
• Gave women control over property
• Allowed equal guardianship of children
• Enabled women to stand for public office
• Allowed women to enter professions

This law marked a significant advancement in women’s rights in Italy.

Question 10

How did the biennio rosso weaken the liberal government?

Answer 10

Highlighted the economic struggles and resentment of the people towards the government, showing weak authority and lack of control over the population

Resulted in mass riots in Italy.

Question 11

What political reforms did Nitti introduce?

Answer 11

• Proportional representation
• Replacement for transformismo

Aimed to weaken Nationalist support and boost moderatism.

Question 12

What was the impact of Nitti’s reforms?

Answer 12

Gave the fascists a chance to seize political power

Intended to reduce Nationalist influence but led to unintended consequences.

Question 13

What were the results of the 1919 election?

Answer 13

Even split between the socialists and the fascists

Created a power struggle and plans for fascist violence against the socialist party.

Question 14

Define biennio rosso.

Answer 14

2 year strikes and riots by extremist political parties

A significant period of unrest in Italy.

Question 15

What does Popolari Party (PPI) stand for?

Answer 15

Catholic-democratic party

Played a role in the political landscape of Italy during this period.

Question 16

What was Giolitti’s stance regarding the war and his approach to the Fiume incident?

Answer 16

• Supported neutralist stance
• Took a mild approach to the Fiume incident
• Signed a treaty with Yugoslavia to remove D’Annunzio

Giolitti’s actions reflected a desire to maintain stability in post-war Italy.

Question 17

Who was Francesco Nitti and what was his political affiliation?

Answer 17

• Socialist
• Leader of the Italian Radical Party
• Prime Minister until 1920

Nitti played a significant role in the Italian government during the post-war period.

Question 18

What did Gabriele D’Annunzio create after seizing the Port of Fiume?

Answer 18

• Cult of personality
• Seized the port for a year without government intervention
• Became the face of proto-fascism

D’Annunzio was previously a poet and his actions had a lasting impact on Italian politics.

Question 19

Who was Luigi Sturzo and what was his political role?

Answer 19

• Head of the Popolari Party
• Catholic priest

Sturzo’s leadership in the Popolari Party was significant in the context of Italian politics.

Question 20

What was Mussolini known for in the post-war period?

Answer 20

• Figurehead of the Fascist party
• Political skill and charisma
• Caused violence and political unrest

Mussolini’s actions led to the establishment of a new government body to address Italy’s growing problems.