The liberal state

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Italy's political system
In the early twentieth century Italy was a fairly new country.It was a parliamentary system similar to that in Britain,constitution was based on the formerly independent kingdom of Piedmont.The constitution guaranteed equality,free press and assembly
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The monarchy
The king of Italy had wide-ranging political powers. He could: appoint and dismiss government ministers and senators, including the prime minister. Control foreign policy and he was also the face of the government at times of crisis
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The prime minister
He was the head of government and was responsible for the day-to-day running of the country. He needed the support of parliament to keep his position and propose laws
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Parliament
Two chambers in the Italian parliament , the senate was the upper house and senators were appointed by the king for life. Chamber of deputies was the lower house and it was elected every 5 years and had more political powers than the senate.
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Electorate
In theory the chamber of deputies was democratically elected but only a small proportion of the Italian population could vote. There were limitations based on age, property ownership and educational qualification
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Political weakness
Apart from the political alienation felt by many Italians the system was also elitist, unstable and corrupt. Political groups were just labels for groups of ambitious men who wanted to gain power and did not often have coherent political ideology.
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Political weakness#2
As political parties they were very weak and governments were coalitions of different factions. System of coalition building was known as transformismo. Italian political life was very unstable as coalition fell apart fast - 9 govs in 11 years
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Political weakness#3
Individual politicians often bribed political opponents and those seeking to build a coalition would offer potential colleagues important jobs or financial incentives.
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Economic problems
Italys economic strength was still growing but there were still problems, Economic growth was focused in the North and well intentioned agricultural policies affected the people in the south negatively. Many didn't feel like government policies helpe
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Industry
Considerable economical growth under prime minister Giovanni Giolitti. State invested in industries and encouraged use of new technology. Most of the growth was in industry as cheap iron imports lead to founding of motor and engineering comapnies
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Industry#2
Pirelli and Montecatini began producing sulphuric acid and rubber, these companies profit grew by 10.6% between 1896 & 1913. Exports increased at a rate of 4.5% per year and number of industrial workers grew to 2million between 1901-1911
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Industrial development in the north
The north-west was particularly successful because of its geographical closeness to the rest of europe, transport links,pre-existing industry, accessible markets and power source.
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Industrial development in the north#2
Even in the north development was not evenly spread. In 1911, Milan, Genoa and Turin accounted for 55% of industrial income. Development was limited because there was a need to import iron, steel and coal due to lack of resources.
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Industry and the south
The south was far less modernized that the North. Giolitti's government tried to remedy this
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The king of Italy had wide-ranging political powers. He could: appoint and dismiss government ministers and senators, including the prime minister. Control foreign policy and he was also the face of the government at times of crisis

Back

The monarchy

Card 3

Front

He was the head of government and was responsible for the day-to-day running of the country. He needed the support of parliament to keep his position and propose laws

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Two chambers in the Italian parliament , the senate was the upper house and senators were appointed by the king for life. Chamber of deputies was the lower house and it was elected every 5 years and had more political powers than the senate.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

In theory the chamber of deputies was democratically elected but only a small proportion of the Italian population could vote. There were limitations based on age, property ownership and educational qualification

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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