Revolution and Violence: The Aftermath of the First World War

The relationship of WWI (+peace settlement) and the Russian Revolution and Civil War to the rise of political violence in Europe in general during the years 1917-1923.

Roberta Suzzi Valli

-         Talks about the rise of political violence using the example of the squadrismo – fascist movement in Italy based on armed squads – they found expression in violence. They considered violence a value on which to base the conduct of one’s life.

-         They stood at the centre of a new kind of political movement – a militia party. Emphasized their political  nature even though claiming not to belong to the traditional political arena ‘anti-political politicians’. They denounced the immorality dominating the postwar political scene. Aimed to attract ‘political virgins’ who would reinforce their fresh approach.

-         Can be argued that fascism was a generational conflict – young people rebelling against their parents – and the reason it was so violent and extreme was because the members were so young. Members recruited from university towns.

-         Between 1911 and 1931 increase in middle class students enrolling at university – more members for the squadrismo – eventually led to unemployment – contributing to the strong political radicalization of the young.

-         Squadristi novels were used to show how members are on a path to redemption. They became part of the squadrismo – and hence violent – due to love for the fatherland and the fascination by the first uniformed fascists. The end of WWI had brought about this fascination with war.

-         “had unleashed within us a terrible rage for war, an insufferable infatuation with war, a fierce desire to experience war. Mere children…we rushed to Fiume for the sensation of being like the others, armed: to try and lead a war ourselves as others had done. This is the truth: there was no project, no patriotic goal, no philosophical aspiration”. Quote from Gallian’s novel.

-         All the virtues that were used to encourage men to join the war are used as the characteristics of the members of the squadrismo – courage, loyalty, pride and willpower and  the fact that squadrismo used ‘the cult of martyrs’ to convince members they did not want a ‘conventional death’ that came in times of peace.  Wanted to die heroes through some form of violence/war. The army used to convince the soldiers that it was heroic and patriotic to die for their country. – Shows that they modelled themselves on the soldiers that were in the war.

-         Five rooms in 1932 Exhibition dedicated to the years between 1919 and 1922 showing the heroic battles were meticulous chronicles – showing how proud they were of the battles.

-         Showed the Treaty of Versailles as the beginning of an attempt by the UK, France and Yugoslavia to surround Italy. Therefore encouraging members to fight and protect their country.

-         Influenced by personal relationships long before involvement in politics; especially friendships and family ties.