By: Ravleen, Morgan and Bailey

Italy before WW1:

The Kingdom of Italy was formed in 1861, but it didn't include Rome and Venetia.
Shortly, after the unification of Italy, Italy began colonizing Somalia, but lacked the true
grasp of Imperialism or the ability to exercise it well. Instead of going head-on and
colonizing Somalia from the other European countries that had colonial power there, Italy
decided to take small steps into colonizing the country. Italy colonized whatever little
lands they could whenever it had the chance.

In 1882, Italy had joined the Triple Alliance, along with the Empires of central Europe
(namely Prussia and the Habsburg's Empire) in hope of getting a few territories including
Dalmatia, Trieste and Istria.

On May 23, 1915, Italy declared war on Austria- Hungary as a part of The Triple Entente.

Italy during WW1:

At the beginning of WW1, Italy was said to be nominally alliance with Germany and
Austria- Hungary. When the country finally decided to enter the war actively, it sided
with their opponents, France and Britain, who had promised them more land in case of
victory.

Italy had initially opted for neutrality as it had joined the Triple Alliance for defensive
purposes only but after losing several regions, Italy switched sides by signing the London
Treaty of 1915 in hopes of territorial annexions.

They had hoped to launch a surprise attack to capture many cities in Austria, these hopes
were quickly dashed. In the end, the country had to resort to trench warfare, as it was
common already on the Western Front.

When Italy entered the World War, Italy directed an attack on Austria to the east and
north of Gorizia. The Italian army managed capture the Bainsizza but were forced to step
back as the supply lines were not able to keep up and Italy was forced to withdraw.

1918 marked the end of the WW1, and for Italy, it was the year of two of the most
relevant World War One battles. The Battle of the Piave and Vittorio Veneto.

Italy after WW1:

After WW1, Many areas of Italy were taken by the workers in factories
and peasants seized land from wealthy land owners. Fascists promised
to fight communism and socialism. This gained the fascists support
from wealthy and influential individuals. From this, the leading fascist,
Benito Mussolini was able to buy arms and fund private para military
bands.

The fascists appealed to Italian Nationalism. Although Italy had

received territories from Austria that contained Italian populations,
there remained disappointment. They had expected more land
especially in Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. This would have
permitted Italy to dominate the Adriatic Sea. Fascist claims to restore a
part of the ancient Roman empires appealed to nationalists, youths,
veterans and army officers.

The weak Italian government was split among many different parties.
The Parliament was unable to solve economic problems and maintain
law and order. Thus they were not able to stem the rise of fascism.
Also, Italy lacked any sort of democratic traditions.

Finally, Benito Mussolini, who once was a socialist, turned to being a

radical nationalist and in favor of a fascist dictatorship. He and his
party seized control of the Italian government. In summary, Italy was
affected by the end of WW1 by turning to a fascist dictatorship to solve
its problems.