The Home Front in Italy

When World War I began in July 1914, Italy was a partner in the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, but decided to remain neutral. However, a strong sentiment existed within the general population and political factions to go to war against Austria-Hungary, Italy’s historical enemy. Italy entered the war in April 1915 on the side of the Allies with her home front less cohesive and united than that of the other major allied and enemy nations. It therefore required a strong commitment to mobilizing the energies of the nation in order to create a home front capable of supporting the military effort. This chapter describes and analyzes the forms of mobilization of Italian society during the war.