Francesco Crispi

Background Italian patriot and statesman Grew up in Sicily, studied Law Became active in republican agitation Involved in uprisings Became journalist in Turin Among main protagonists of the Italian Risorgimento (the political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.) Close friend and supporter of Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi One of the architects of the Unification of Italy in 1860

Leadership 11 th prime minister of Italy: in office July 29 th 1887 – March 10 th 1896 President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies November 26 th 1876 – December 26 th 1877 Italian minister of the Interior December 26 th 1877 – March 9 th 1896 Italian minister of foreign affairs July 29 th February 6 th 1891 Party = historical left (The Historical Left, officially known as The Left, was a liberal, constitutional, and reformist parliamentary group in Italy during the second half of the 19th century. The members of The Left were also known as Democrats)

Strengths Began a revolution in Sicily in order to unify Italy, therefore travelled their to organise an uprising. Persuaded Giuseppe Garibaldi to invade Sicily (May 1860) with ‘’The Thousand’’ (volunteers) to assist popular uprising there. It was quickly conquered, therefore Crispi became Minister of the Interior. Raised Italy’s prestige and dispelled the reputation for dishonesty and uncertainty acquired by many former Prime Ministers.

Weaknesses Crispi’s weaknesses led to the failure of his career most importantly. Unreliable, stubborn and lacked diplomatic skill, therefore made many political enemies (including his former ally Mazzini) since he believed unity was more important than establishment of a republic Accused of dictatorial tendencies (police state) – often seen as a precursor of Mussolini Foreign policy was extremely unpopular (broke off trade with France and renewed alliance with Austria-Hungary 1882). Also, a large budget deficit and high taxes toppled his government in Became increasingly repressive and brutally crushed a socialist uprising in Sicily. Got involved in a major banking scandal, which caused him to fall from power in 1896

1859 -Crispi returned to Sicily and re-joined the independence movement Crispi was elected deputy to the first Italian Parliament and became a leader of the left opposition to the premier, the Conte di Cavour Crispi was elected president of the Chamber of Deputies 1877 –Became Minister of the Interior Resigned after being accused of bigamy. Although acquitted, he withdrew from political life for several years – Served again briefly as Minister of the Interior, Crispi became Premier. He broadened communal and provincial self- government, bettered public health conditions, and approved a more liberal penal code. He introduced severe regulations concerning public order and gave civil authorities the power to restrain freedom of association Crispi influenced Parliament to refuse to renew the Italian commercial treaty with France. There then began a 10-year tariff war which greatly damaged the Italian economy Unpopularity of his tariff and tax policy forced to his resignation –Internal strife resulting from peasant riots and the growing worker movement, he again became Premier 1895 – Ruled for 6 months as dictator but did not convoke Parliament Crushing defeat of the Italian army at Adowa, Ethiopia, he was again forced to resign. Lived in poverty and oblivion in Naples until his death on Aug. 11, 1901.