Chapter 31 affect Culturally

During this chapter, a new stress on the economy and open markets came about. Also, the Single European Act of 1986 was another attempt to unify Western Europe. After this and the Maastrict Treaty, Italy, Spain, and Portugal all became part of the European Union and adopted the Euro, the new currency that is still in circulation to this day. They helped to launch a global era of change in many aspects, including music and literature and culture in general.

Political Changes during the Cold War

Italy saw the birth of a new political party, along with France and Germany, known as the Catholic Christian Democrats. Also, the emmergence of communism and socialism from the war became slightly evident, but eventually the democratic republic was reestablished in Italy, and many reforms took place all over the country, including women's rights reforms. This was a time of changing governments all over Europe and Italy was a major nation who jumped into this movement full-force.

Impact of WW1

The impact of WW1 on Italy was extremely important. They were involved in the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary. Since they were so involved with the war as all the other countries of Europe and the US, they had rewards and consequences. All of Italy's alliances empires were destroyed or communism had taken over. Italy wasn't blamed for the war even though they were allies with Germany. Italy did not have terrible losses as a whole, and the country did not suffer either.

Political Impact of World War II

Italy, along with the Soviet Union and Germany, established a radical totalitarian government. Then, Mussolini came into power by marching into Rome in 1922 and demanding that the king named him head of the government. He did this successfully and established a fascist government, which was halfway between authoritarianism and totalitarianism and consisted of only one party. The fascist leaders manipulated the people into agreeing with their beliefs and killed the previous socialist leader, Matteotti. Much of the old power system remained and Mussolini never really became a totalitarian ruler. Mussolini went on to join Germany in supporting the fascists in Spain, and Italy joined an alliance with Germany and Japan. They eventually surrendered in 1943 but continued to fight with Germany for a little while afterwards.