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FedericaX: History of Italy

A journey through the history of Italy, from 1862 to 1948, amid great conflicts and great successes

History of Italy
4 weeks
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Mar 28
Ends Dec 31

About this course

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This course looks at the history of Italy, which dates back 150 years. The lessons in this course will explore the making of Italy, using a concrete or symbolically significant event for each period or problem.

Our interpretation revolves around two apparently conflicting assumptions. On the one hand, if we look at Italy in the long-term, it is a very successful country. It was governed by provincial princes and authoritarian regimes until, in 1861, it became a nation state inspired by models of European liberalism. On the other hand, Italy’s history is punctuated by internal strife, geographical divides, bloody conflicts and civil wars. Good examples are the post-war conflict between fascists and socialists, the period of terrorism and the “civil cold war” between pro and anti Berlusconi factions that marked the last two decades.

Together we will try to work out the answer, an answer that probably lies in political and social stability, the result of a long “Centre” government and parliament, and intelligent governance of outlying regions, especially in the South, by centrist political parties.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Governance

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • the history of Italy from 1862 to 1948
  • the events that made Italian history great
  • how to critically reflect on political and social issues to better understand contemporary history

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