Italy initially remained neutral in WWI but joined the Entente Powers in 1915 after signing the Treaty of London, which promised Italy territorial gains. Despite poor performance in the war, Italy managed to secure a victory on the Italian Front with the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. Post-war, Italy faced economic turmoil and political instability, leading to increased support for socialism and extremism. The dissatisfaction with post-war treaties and economic conditions paved the way for Mussolini's rise to power and the establishment of a fascist regime. Mussolini's ambitions led to conflicts and alliances that positioned Italy alongside Nazi Germany, ultimately resulting in Italy's defeat and the end of Mussolini's rule in WWII.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Italy joined the First World War in 1915.
2. Italy signed the Treaty of London, promising them territory from Austria-Hungary.
3. Italy declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on May 23, 1915.
4. The Battle of Caporetto was Italy's greatest defeat during WWI, resulting in 300,000 casualties.
5. The war ended for Italy in November 1918 with the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.
6. The Paris Peace Conference did not grant Italy the territories they had been promised.
7. The Italian government promised soldiers the vote and free land, but only the vote was honored.
8. Unemployment skyrocketed in Italy after the war.
9. The Red Biennium saw increased support for socialist parties and industrial action.
10. Benito Mussolini led the fascist party and became Prime Minister of Italy in 1922.
11. Mussolini banned opposition parties, arrested opposition leaders, and enacted strict press censorship in 1926.
12. Mussolini sought to increase industrialization and make Italy self-sufficient in grain production.
13. Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty with the Pope in 1929, settling the Roman Question.
14. Mussolini's government encouraged people to take up sports and women to have more children.
15. Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1935.
16. Mussolini sent volunteers to fight in the Spanish Civil War.
17. The Stresa Front, a treaty between Italy, France, and Britain, guaranteed Austrian independence in 1935.
18. Mussolini signed the Pact of Steel with Germany in 1939.
19. Italy invaded Greece in 1940, but was defeated.
20. Germany invaded Poland in 1939, starting WWII.
21. Italy declared war on Germany in 1943 and joined the Allies.
22. Mussolini was deposed and arrested in 1943, but escaped and led the Italian Social Republic.
23. The Italian Social Republic was plagued by partisan resistance.
24. The front lines in Italy collapsed in April 1945.
25. Mussolini was captured and shot by partisans in 1945.
26. Italy held a referendum on the monarchy's existence in 1946 and voted to abolish it.
27. The Republic of Italy was born in 1946.