Modern European Countries Project: Italy

Map of Italy

Italy During World War II Italy left helpless after WWI Mussolini’s Fascist Party gains popularity as economy worsens Mussolini put in charge after Fascists demand him power  Secret Police  Censorship  All political parties banned except Fascists  No more democracy Part of Axis Powers until Operation Husky causes Mussolini to be overthrown July 1943

Cold War s Final victory over Axis power in Italy came in spring of 1945 Mussolini was captured on April 27, 1945 by communist Italian partisans and executed the next day for high treason Italy became a republic on June 6, 1946 A new constitution and a new parliament was created Italy joined NATO By 1950, Italy’s economy was stabilized and started an economic boom

Cold War 1960s-1989 Economic boom in 1960s 1970s – starts Years of Lead  Social conflicts and terrorism 1978 – Christian Democracy leader Aldo Moro assassinated – Giovanni Spadolini (Republican) – Bettino Craxi (Socialist) End of Years of Lead, Communist Party increases its votes  US puts missiles in Italy

Present Day – Corrupt government; Christian democracy splits up and Socialist Party ceases 1994 – Silvio Berlusconi prime minister but resigns because of scandal with bribery 1996 – Prodi: prime minister 1999 – Italy accepted into Eurozone 2001 – Berlusconi second term as prime minister; Italy part of Afghanistan War 2003 – Part of Iraq War 2004 –Berlusconi cleared of corruption after 4 year trial 2006 – Prodi second term 2008 – Prodi third term, fourth recession in 7 years and largest since – Italy has one of largest debts in Eurozone, IMF orders Italy to reduce cost

Fun Facts About Italy aly.html aly.html