Post WW1 Problems In Italy

Question 1

Economic difficulties (inflation, unemployment)

Answer 1

High inflation due to war costs + debt
Mass unemployment as soldiers returned + war industries closed
Agricultural + industrial production fell after the war
Strikes + factory occupations increased amid worker unrest
Economic hardship fueled social tensions + fear of socialism
Gov struggled to stabilise economy

Question 2

Social unrest and strikes

Answer 2

Widespread strikes + factory occupations (Biennio Rosso, 1919-20)
Workers demanded better wages, conditions, and land reforms
Fear among elites of socialist revolution
Clashes between workers, socialists, and nationalist groups
Violence and political instability increased
Set stage for rise of fascism as a “law and order

Question 3

Political instability + fear of socialist

Answer 3

Weak liberal governments struggled to deal with crisis
Rapid rise of socialist party alarmed conservatives
Biennio Rosso raised fears of a communist-style revolution
Middle + upper classes feared loss of property + status
Elite + business support shifted to fascists as a defender against socialism
Political chaos helped Mussolini presented Fascism as a force of stability

Question 4

Nationalist anger over ‘mutilated victory’

Answer 4

Italy felt betrayed by the TOV
Promised lands not fully gained despite allied support
Fiume not awarded to Italy- sparked nationalist outrage
Viewed as a “mutilated victory”
Undermined trust in liberal gov
Boosted support for radical nationalist and fascist movements