To what extent was the collapse of the liberal state in Italy caused by the impact of the First World War?

To what extent was the collapse of the liberal state in Italy caused by the impact of the First World War?

Economics:

• North-south divide saw a huge difference in economic growth. The north had some industries set up whereas the south had hardly any. Although the north did have some industries, they still struggled and production came from the main cities rather than smaller towns and cities.
• In 1910 the north had 48% of the countries wealth and paid 40% of the taxes, the south had 27% of the countries wealth but paid 32% of the taxes. This further highlights the inequality between the two regions but also shows the difference in wealth between the north and south.
• Italy's economic developments were restriced by geography as most industry was in the north. Italy also had a very small industry in comparison to other European countries.

Social problems:

• Only a small amount of people spoke Italian which contributed to a lack of identity felt by Italians.
• Illiteracy rates were 69% in the north and 80% in the south which affected the lack of identity as well.
• Between 1912-13, 1.5 mllion people left Italy and most were from the south which highlights how…