The Kingdom of Italy was established in 1861 following the culmination of the Risorgimento movement, which aimed to unify various Italian territories. However, certain regions, such as Veneto, were not initially incorporated into the kingdom. Veneto joined Italy in 1866 through a referendum, in which an overwhelming majority of voters supported the unification. Additionally, the Papal States' region of Latium was annexed in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War.
After the unification, Italy shifted its focus towards colonialism, particularly in Africa. The country acquired territories in Eritrea and Somalia and aimed to annex Abyssinia (Ethiopia). In 1911, under Giovanni Giolitti's government, Italy agreed to invade Libya, which was under Ottoman control.
World War I[]
During World War I, Italy initially maintained neutrality as Austria declared war on Serbia. However, in 1915, Italy joined the war on the side of the Allies after signing the secret Pact of London. The pact promised Italy the lands of Istria, Dalmatia, and South Tyrol. Unfortunately, at the end of the war, Italy did not receive all the territories promised in the pact. Dalmatia was given to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among Italians, known as the "Vittoria Mutilata" or "Mutilated Victory." This sentiment paved the way for nationalist parties such as the National Fascist Party, led by Benito Mussolini, who eventually seized power in Italy through the March on Rome in 1922.
Mussolini's dictatorship[]
Under Mussolini's fascist dictatorship, Italy underwent significant political reforms. Although the country maintained the monarchy de jure, many institutions were reformed along fascist lines. Mussolini successfully annexed Ethiopia in 1936, leading to international sanctions against Italy. He proclaimed the Italian Empire and crowned Victor Emmanuel III as Emperor of Ethiopia. Italy also occupied and established a personal union with Albania through a brief military campaign.
World War II[]
During World War II, Italy joined the war as part of the Axis Powers in 1940. The initial plan was to concentrate Italian forces on an offensive against the British Empire in Africa and the Middle East. Mussolini ordered an invasion of Greece, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. The Greek forces, aided by the British, managed to counterattack and gain territory in Albania. The German forces intervened to assist Italy, leading to the defeat of Greece. However, Italy's involvement in the war took a significant turn when Allied troops landed in Sicily on July 9, 1943. King Victor Emmanuel III responded by arresting Mussolini and appointing Marshal Badoglio as Prime Minister. Distrustful of Badoglio, the Germans invaded Italy, establishing a puppet state known as the Italian Social Republic under Mussolini's leadership. The dictatorship lasted until 1945 when Mussolini was captured and killed by the partisans.
Following the end of World War II, Italy became a republic in 1946 through an institutional referendum. The referendum was prompted by the threat of another civil war and resulted in the victory of the republic, with 54% of the voters supporting it.