The political system and Giolittianism: the role of the monarchy; the dominance of government by the liberal oligarchy; anticlericalism; the role of Giolitti
Italy's pre-Fascist government was controlled by a small elite of liberal politicians. Giovanni Giolitti dominated this system, using deals and manipulation to stay in power.
Real World
Giolitti extended the vote to all adult men in 1912, then immediately used trasformismo to absorb new socialist deputies into the liberal coalition — widening democracy while neutralising the threat it posed.
Exam Focus
Avoid describing Giolitti as simply corrupt; examiners reward analysis of how trasformismo both stabilised and undermined liberal Italy simultaneously.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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