Italy and WW1 Flashcards
(47 cards)
What did some of the more cynical Italians say about the crisis between Serbia and Austria-Hungary?
That it would come to nothing and soon be over
What did leading socialist, Treves, say about the potential for war?
He sais their was no potential for war since it would not be in the interests of the capitalist classes of the great powers and that fear of revolution would lead to a peace settlement
What did former PM Luzzati have to say about the potential for war?
It would lead to the destruction of lives, wealth, culture and civilisation and would debase and debilitate Europe
What did Giolitti say about the potential for war?
He refused to believe that Europe would fall prey to the folly of war
What two decsions did Italy have to face following the outbreak of WW1?
- They had to decide whether to become involved in the war or remain neutral
- They had to decide whether to align with the triple alliance or the triple entente
What two decsions did Italy have to face following the outbreak of WW1?
- They had to decide whether to become involved in the war or remain neutral
- They had to decide whether to align with the triple alliance or the triple entente
What was public opinion like following italys refusal to fight with the TA?
Hopelessly divided. There were those who supported the view that Italy should fulfil her obligations to the triple alliance of which it had been a member and supported for 30 years. Others, whilst admiring Germany, found it impossible to side with their other triple alliance ally, the arch-enemy Austria-Hungary
What did General Cadorna go so far as to do at the start of WW1?
Mobilise for a war with France and encourage the king to send an army to the river rhine to support the Germans
What slogan did the irredentalists champion at the start of WW1?
‘No blood, no money, no complicity with the Habsburgs’
Why did some Italians still see France as the main enemy at the outbreak of WW1?
Because of Italian failure to acquire Tunisia
What did some Italians see an alliance with Germany as a way of doing?
Increasing Italy’s prestige
Who was the first backed Italian intervention going to be on the side of?
The triple alliance
Why did some Italians have sympathy for the Austrians?
Because of Catholic ties and the fact the many Austrians looked for the restoration of papal authority in their own country
Why did syndicalists, anarchists and republicans encourage entry into the war?
Because it might create circumstances favourable for revolution and the overthrow of the hated monarchy. They hoped it would be the catalyst for the overthrow of capitalism
Why did joining the war have some appeal to the government?
Becuase it had the potential to unite the country and divert attention from the various social and economic problems at the time
Which parties took a stance if non-intervention?
Moderate socialists, liberals and other parties of the centre, this was confirmed by a speech made by Giolitti at the end of 1914
Define casus foederis
Coming clearly within the terms of the treaty
What did Giolitti reveal in a speech to the chamber of deputies in 1914?
He revealed that in 1913, a year before the assassination at Sarajevo, Austria had communicated to Italy and Germany her intention of taking action against Serbia, while defining such action as defensive, hoping to bring into operation the casus foederis of the triple alliance
What was Giolitti’s response to the Austrian attempt to trigger the casus foederis of the triple alliance?
He said that if Austria intervened against Serbia, it is clear that the casus foederis cannot be established. It is a step Austria is taking on her own account, since their is no question of defence, as no-one is actually attacking her. He suggested that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was an excuse and not a valid reason for an Austrain attack on Serbia, since their was no evidence that the move had been premeditated
What was the reaction of the chamber when Giolitti denounced Austria’s attempt to trigger the casus foederis of the triple alliance?
The members of the chamber stood and loudly applauded him
What had the nationalists begun to do just days after the Italian declaration of neutrality?
They suddenly began to champion the need for intervention on the side of the entente powers
What did some suggests Italy should do to reclaim irredenta land?
Wage a war against austria-Hungary on its own, a purely Italian war, without involing the allies or Germany
What offer from the Italians was rejected out of hand by the Austrians?
An approach to see whether austria would surrender their irredenta territories in return for Italy remaining neutral in the war
How did nationalist views come to enjoy the popular support of the people?
They were widely popularised by the Italian press. The nationalists also benefitted from the quality of allied propaganda, which far excelled that of Germany and Austria-Hungary
