Giolitti's Influence on Italy (1911-1914)

Flashcards covering Giovanni Giolitti's political strategies and their effects on Italy between 1911 and 1914.

What was the general period from 1901 to 1914 known as in Italian history?

The Giolittian Era

What is 'trasformismo' and how did Giolitti use it?

Trasformismo is the practice of turning political opponents into allies. Giolitti kept files on deputies' weaknesses to secure their support.

What were the key goals of Giolitti's policies during his fourth term as Prime Minister (1911-1914)?

To modernize and industrialize Italy, unify the masses with shared values, and instill faith in liberal ideals.

What does 'Liberal Italy' refer to?

The period of Italian history from 1870 to 1922, characterized by democratic ideals but also corruption and social discontent.

What was the main focus of Giolitti's program in 1911 regarding the political parties?

The Partito Socialista Italiano (PSI)

How did urbanization influence the rise of socialism in Italy?

It led to the greater mixing of Italians and to increased literacy, education, and an awareness of political engagement.

What social reforms did Giolitti offer to 'absorb' the Socialist deputies?

Compulsory accident insurance, a non-compulsory national insurance fund, banning child labor, limiting women's work hours, and introducing a maternity fund.

What was Giolitti's policy of non-intervention in labor disputes?

The establishment of arbitration courts to settle pay disputes, reducing the need for strikes.

Why was Giolitti unable to win over the entire PSI?

The party was split between reformists willing to work with Giolitti and maximalists who believed in revolution.

What was Filippo Turati's role in the Partito Socialista Italiano (PSI)?

He was the leader and key figure of the PSI from its formation in 1895 up to the First World War.

What strategy did Giolitti employ to gain the organized Catholic vote?

Offering a series of policies and compromises that could gain the support of the Church.

What was Giolitti's stance on the relationship between the Church and state?

He pronounced that the Church and state were 'two parallel lines, which should never meet'.

What was the 'Roman Question'?

The unresolved tension between the Church and state regarding papal control over Roman territory.

What was the main ideology of the nationalists during Giolitti's term?

Aggressive foreign policy to expand Italy's power and reclaim irredente lands.

Who supported the nationalist movement in Italy?

The educated middle classes who viewed it as a force for national renewal.

What was the Associazione Nazionalista Italiana (ANI)?

The Italian Nationalist Association formed in 1910 under the leadership of Enrico Corradini.

What motivated Giolitti to invade Libya in 1911?

To embrace nationalism, expand Italy's colonial empire, and gain support from the Catholic Church.

What was the initial reaction to Italy's invasion of Libya?

An outpouring of national enthusiasm, even from some socialist leaders.

What were the long-term consequences of the Libyan War and the introduction of universal suffrage for Giolitti's government?

Severe consequences for Giolitti’s government.

What impact did the Libyan War have on the Italian Socialist Party (PSI)?

It exposed divisions within the PSI, with some supporting and others opposing the war, weakening the party's unity.

How did the invasion of Libya influence the 1913 election?

It led to the Gentiloni Pact, an agreement between Giolitti and the Catholic Electoral Union, which ensured Catholic support for Liberal candidates in exchange for policy concessions.

What was the Gentiloni Pact, and what did it entail?

An agreement where the Catholic Electoral Union directed voters to support Liberal candidates who agreed to support Catholic policies, increasing Catholic influence in parliament.

What were the major outcomes of the 1913 election?

Giolitti's Liberals retained power but with a greatly reduced majority, relying heavily on Catholic support, making the government more fragile.

How did the introduction of universal male suffrage impact the Italian political landscape?

It enfranchised a large portion of the population, increasing the influence of mass movements and challenging the traditional power structures.

What role did Gaetano Salvemini play in the criticism of Giolitti's government?

Salvemini fiercely criticized Giolitti’s government, particularly its corruption and the Gentiloni Pact, advocating for greater social justice and integrity in politics.

What was the state of the Italian economy during the Giolittian Era?

Despite some industrial growth, the Italian economy was still largely agrarian, with significant regional disparities and social inequalities.

How did the rise of nationalism and irredentism contribute to the end of the Giolittian Era?

Growing nationalist sentiments and the desire to reclaim 'unredeemed' territories shifted the focus away from domestic reforms towards foreign policy and potential conflict.