Full Description
First published in 1977, The Politics of the Italian Army provides a comprehensive overview of the role played by the army in Italian history and politics from 1861-1918. Divided into three major parts the book attempts to do three things: to observe some of the familiar sights of nineteenth and early twentieth century Italian history from a slightly different viewpoint; to enquire into why one of the least militaristic of societies has been plunged periodically into aggressive wars by the deliberate action of its governments; and finally, to provide an account of civil military relations in Italy for use in comparative studies. The author discusses themes such as the First War of Independence; Fanti and the creation of the Italian army; the consolidation of the army; the army and the crisis of the late 1890s; the Libyan war and non-intervention.
This is an important historical reference work for students and scholars of Italian history, military history and political history of Europe.
Contents
Part I: Towards a National Army 1. 'Italians don't Fight' 2. 'Italians do Fight' The First War of Independence 1848- 9 3. La Marmora's Reform of the Piedmontese Army 4. Fanti and the Creation of the Italian Army Part II: The Consolidation of the Army 5. II Brigantaggio 6. Venice and Rome 7. The Reforms of Ricotti Magnani 8. The Triple Alliance, the Army and Diplomacy Part III: The Testing of the Army 9. The Army and the Crisis of the Late 1890s 10. The Army in Giolittian Italy 11. The Libyan War 12. Non-Intervention 13. War Bibliography Index
