An important new report on the emergence of the Italian Republic after World War II.

The rebirth of Italy after World War II is one of the most remarkable political transformations in modern European history. In 1945, post-fascist Italy was devastated by war, and its reputation on the international stage was nonexistent. However, by December 1955, when Italy became a member of the United Nations, the country had held three disputed but free general elections, had a thriving journalism, and was a leader in the reconstruction of Europe. The contrast with Fascism was striking.

This book records Italy's descent into Fascism, the scale of wartime destruction, the Italian resistance to Nazi occupation, and the establishment of the Republic in 1946. The Cold War divided, in 1947, the coalition of parties that had led the resistance against Fascism and Nazism.

The final chapters of the book deal with the consolidation of the Italian Republic and the statecraft of Alcide De Gasperi, the Prime Minister from December 1945 to August 1953. The book argues, firstly, that De Gasperi deserves more recognition than he usually receives for the success of the Italian post-war democracy, and secondly, that the Italian democracy was built on solid foundations – which is why it has managed to survive many post-war crises.

Based on contemporary Italian sources, the book is written in an engaging and lively manner, suitable for both the general reader and specialists in Italian history.

Pages: 544, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm