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The Unification of Italy
The risorgimento was already pushing for unification in Italian culture in 1815, mainly struggling against Austria-Hungary. After much struggle, with radical exploits by Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi, and conservative ideals by Victor Emmanuel II and Camillo Benso, Italy finally became unified on March 17th, 1861, with Emmanuel as its leader. The justification for the picture is that it is of a patriotic Garibaldi, emphasizing his military advances to make the unification possible. -
Papal States taken over by new nation of Italy
Despite stating control of the Papal States, including Rome, Italy couldn’t take it because of French guarding of the Pope. However, the Franco-Prussian War caused the French army to dismantle, and Italy, despite trying to negotiate peacefully, advanced on the Papal States until the Pope limited defense of the Papal Forces, allowing Italy to take them on September 20th, 1870. The photo is justified as it shows the vast differences of territory, and the extent of Italian drive for more territory. -
Failure of First Italo-Ethiopian War with the Battle of Adwa
The First Italo-Ethiopian War broke out in 1895 because of the Italian belief that Ethiopia was a rightful Italian territory. The Battle of Adwa saw the Italians fail due to the large scale of the Ethiopian army and Emperor Menelik’s leadership, allowing an ambush on Italian brigades on March 1, 1896, with 11,500 Italian’s casualties. The picture chosen shows the determination of the Ethiopian army, and compares the losses of each army, with more Italian casualties, emphasizing the Italian loss. -
Italy invades and takes over Libya
In 1911, many Italians brought about the colonization of Libya, which was under Turkish control, because of its rich resources and poor defense. Despite diplomatic methods to resolve it peacefully, prime minister Giolitti invaded Libya on September 29th, 1911, and the Italian’s were able to capture it in November of that year, but with huge economic costs. The image justifies the war, as it is a political cartoon, emphasizing the nationalism felt by Italy, while emphasizing the Turkish loss. -
Mussolini begins work as editor for the Socialist Party newspaper Avanti
After denouncing the Italian-Libyan war and exploiting two socialist “revolutionaries”, Mussolini became the editor of the Italian Socialist Party newspaper Avanti in 1912. He used this as a means of spreading ideas of Karl Marx, and other lesser known socialists. The picture chosen is of an Avanti paper as it encapsulates the aspects and power Mussolini had in persuading and indoctrinating people of socialist views. -
Mussolini kicked out of Socialist Party for pro-nationalistic sentiments regarding WW I
Despite remaining more neutral in the beginning of WWI, he began to be more fond of it, because of his anti-Austrian views. He later grew more and more supportive of it, seeing it as a means of unification and the completion of risorgimento, and would start denouncing critics of the war, which would eventually become the Italian Socialist party, resulting in his expulsion from the party in 1914. This picture is able to encapsulate Mussolini as a fascist, symbolizing his abrupt expulsion. -
Treaty of London
A secret treaty between Italy and the Allied Powers that was signed into play on April 26th, 1915. This was a means to get Italy into the war in order to face the Austro-Hungarians, whom they shared a border with, and in return, Italy was promised plentiful amounts of land within the south-east, which was obliged. The picture is justified as it encapsulates the territory Italy was promised, while also emphasizing the territory around Austria-Hungary that could achieve a promised victory. -
Beginning of Biennio Rosso
The Biennio Rosso, or the Red Years, saw a period of political and economic hostility between 1919 and 1920, due to the high inflation and unemployment. As a result many socialists would go on strike and rebel against elites and corporations in excessive and violent ways to the extent that many feared a complete socialist revolution. This picture emphasizes the growing number of socialists and revolutions, and the pride and determination many socialists were feeling during the Biennio Rosso. -
Fascio di Combattimento formed in Milan
Mussolini’s efforts to stop the socialists during the Biennio Rosso were among the most prominent, forming the Fascio di Combattimento in Milan on March 23rd, 1919. Though slow at first, Mussolini played on the growing socialist problem and the mutilated victory, and was able to get more support, and used strong violence, incited by his black shirt army, against the socialists. The picture is the symbol of fascism, and is justified, as this saw the essential birth of a fascist movement. -
D’Annunzio takes Fiume
Despite the success of Mussolini, Gabriele D’Annunzio, a strong fascist revolutionary in his own right, would march on Fiume on September 12th, 1919. D’Annunzio completely defied the Italian government and central powers, and didn’t face any significant opposition. It was only 15th months later when he was brought down by the Italian navy, essentially seeing him fade into obscurity. This picture is significant as it shows the initial prowess and strength D'Annunzio had in taking Fiume. -
Mussolini forms alliance with Giolitti
Despite not 100% agreeing with the actions taken by the fascists, Giolitti decided to embrace fascist beliefs and support Mussolini in 1921 in fear of a socialist insurrection. To show his support for Mussolini, Giolitti founded a variety of right-leaning political parties to restrict the Socialist Party’s influence. This is a picture of Giolitti as prime minister, and justifies the event as it symbolizes the actions he took during his reigns, particularly his support of Mussolini. -
Mussolini forms the PNF (Fascist Party) and is elected its leader
founded in Rome during the 3rd fascist conference. The PNF was made as a more organized political party under the leadership of Mussolini. From the less organized Fasci Italiani di Combattimento made of many paramilitary groups which Mussolini had little control over. The party was formed in the days before the election of 1919. The Party flag of the PNF with a Fasces. Shows the newly established political party and how it was formalized and organized -
March on Rome and Mussolini becomes Prime Minister
Radical elements of the fascist movement insisted on taking power in Italy by force convincing Mussolini. In the days before fascists began to occupy towns and cities in Italy. The PM Luigi Facta asked Victor Emmanuel III for to fight the Fascists, the King rejected and instead made Mussolini PM. Rome wasn’t marched until Mussolini became PM. Black shirts moving toward Rome. Shows how the Fascists first marched on smaller cities and towns and how the march on Rome was done by small forces. -
Acerbo Law passed
while PM Mussolini could only rely on 35 fascist and 10 nationalist votes in the legislature, he relied on a coalition of parties to remain in power. The law would give the party that won a majority of the votes in an election 2/3 of the seats in the legislature. Many liberal and conservative parties voted. Shown is the Italian Legislature after the 1924 election with the PNF in control of 2/3. Which shows the political power and control established by the passage of the Acerbo law. -
Corfu Incident
an Italian general was Murdered in disputed territory between Greece and Albania that he was sent to head a League of Nations commission. After an ultimatum was rejected Italy occupied the western island of Corfu. The final resolution resulted in Greece paying 50 million lira to Italy and to hold an investigation into the Murder in exchange for Italy leaving Corfu. Italian troops on Corfu shows how Italy used military action to obtain diplomatic concessions and avoid penalties. -
Matteotti Crisis
Matteotti was an Italian socialist politician who spoke out against the Fascists. On 10 June 1924 He was stabbed to death by Fascists – some alleged Mussolini’s involvement. This created a crisis as opposition and some fascist allies were concerned about the threat of political killings. Socialist legislatures going to identify Matteotti’s Body. Shows how socialists and other political groups were concerned by the killing of Matteotti. -
Aventine Secession
Sparked by the killing of Matteotti members of the legislature from other parties withdrew from the chamber of deputies. In an attempt to the fascists removed by the king, this failed. It removed all parliamentary opposition to Mussolini and sidelined the king leading to consolidation of power by Mussolini. Political cartoon Mussolini siting on the grave of Matteotti. Showing the opposition caused by the killing. And the political anger at Mussolini and the Fascists who were blamed. -
Battle for Grain
Policies indicated by Mussolini’s Fascist government to increase domestic production of grain to decrease a trade deficit and make Italy more self-sufficient following the idea of Autarky. This was successful in increasing Grain production and foreign dependence but, resulted in less Italian exports.
Propaganda photo of Mussolini during the Battle for grain. Showing him assisting with grain harvesting to encourage farmers and to use as propaganda. Developing the cult of personality of il duce -
Locarno Treaty signed
The Locarno treaty normalized relations with post war Germany and defined western boarders while leaving eastern boarders up for revision (German Polish Boarder). It weakened the entente’s relation with Poland and had little to do with Italy (Besides normalization with Germany). It created a weak peaceful order in the interwar years. Delegates / Representatives in Locarno (Switzerland). Shows the diplomatic nature of the agreement. -
Battle for Land and Battle for the Lira
The battle for Land was a policy to clear and reclaim land to make it suitable for farming and to reduce malaria in marshlands. This policy was successful in creating jobs, farmland and reducing malaria. Battle for the Lira was to revalue the Lira to reduce inflation. This made imports cheaper and tariffing consumer goods and lowering worker pay which led to declined living conditions. Italian 20 lira coin. Shows the influence of Fascist imagery in Italy and symbolic of the battle of the lira. -
Battle for Births
A series of policies intended to increase the birth rate in Italy to increase the population. Including loans for having children and taxing bachelors (without children). The policy is seen as a failure with the birthrate decreasing until 1936 and marriage rate staying the same. Mothers Metal given to women who had 5 children as a way to honor them as part of the Battle for Births. Shows the way fascist Italy viewed the role of women. -
Kellogg-Briand Treaty signed
The treaty was made to outlaw war signed by Germany, France, and the United States. The treaty did not live up to all of its aims, and did not prevent WWII, however was not completely unsuccessful either, as it paved the way for execution of Nazi leaders. It is still is in effect today. The image justifies the event as it is of the signing and ratification of the treaty, signifying its importance. -
Lateran Treaty with Pope
The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as an independent state and gave payment for land taken from the church along with regulating relations and authority between the Catholic Church and Italy. A map of Vatican City as established by the treaty giving the city independence and recognition as an independent state. Shows how the conflict with the Catholic Church was resolved. -
Stresa Front
An agreement between France, England, Italy for the purpose of restating the Locarno treaties and ensuring independence of Austria. The agreement was made after Germany expanded its army, which went against the treaty of Versailles, but the agreement broke down after only 2-3 months due to Italy invading Abyssinia. The picture is from conference regarding Stresa front, justifying its importance as it represents the event. -
Abyssinian Crisis
1935-36, Italy invaded the country of Abyssinia, or modern day Ethiopia. Italy wanted revenge after being defeated by Abyssinia, and also wanted the land for its rich resources and land. Although sanctions were put on Italy by the united nations, Italy ignored and went on to capture land. The united nations did not stand hard against Italy, which led to its success in Abyssinia. The picture is of fighting in Abyssia from Italy, easily beat the spears and bows of Abyssians. -
Rome-Berlin Axis Treaty signed
Agreement of ally ship between Italy and Germany in 1936, it was formalized by the pact of steel and eventually the two countries allied with Japan to form the axis powers. The treaty served as an informal link between the two fascist countries, and their leaders Hitler and Mussolini. The picture justifies the moment as it is of Mussolini and Hitler together, representing their alliance. -
Italian involvement with Spanish Civil War
Conflict between far right leader and far left government of Spain, Italy became involved on both sides of the war and ended up with Italians fighting Italians. Italy was less concerned with helping Spain, and more so wanted to gain victories and gain Mussolini political favor at home. This picture shows Italian fascists soldiers marching in Spain, emphasizing the importance of this event. -
Munich Conference
A compromise made by European powers in response to Germany trying to take back Czechoslovakian land they lost during ww1. Hitler wanted to reunite German land to build a population and army back to its former strength. Germany still promised it would invade and take back land, despite agreement of western Europe. The picture of Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler shaking hands represents the relations between the two. -
Italy invades Albania
Italian invasion of Albania for the purpose of gaining land on the coast as well as the cultural significance of Albania to the former glory of the Roman empire. Italy quickly won and became controlled by fascist Italy, who took advantage of the natural resources such as petroleum. This picture is important as it shows the grand scale of troops in Albania, and the scale of the invasion. -
Italy enters WWII on side of Germany
Italy joined war in 1940 as part of the axis powers, although Mussolini knew Italy couldn't stand another long war, he wanted to continue the fascist regime. Axis powers lost war, and although the other axis countries faced war crime tribunals, Italy was not, with the exception of several executions of leaders. This picture is important as it is a picture of axis power forces, which Italy was part of, and symbolizes their position. -
Mussolini brought down by coup during WWII
Mussolini voted out of office and arrested, general public for the most part was relieved. Only question left was whether or not Italy would continue to fight in the war, and if so would they continue with axis or allied powers. This picture is of a newspaper headline after coup shows international opinions and joy over coup, emphasizing the loss felt by Italy. -
Mussolini Killed
Executed after being taken out of power, two days before hitlers suicide. Although there is dispute over who killed him exactly, widely Accepted that he was killed by a communist partisan. His body was hung in public for citizens to abuse his body. The picture is justified as it encapsulates the death of Mussolini and its brutality.