Biographical information
Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (19 May 1860 – 1 December 1952) was an Italian statesman, known for representing Italy in the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. Orlando taught law at the University of Palermo and was recognized as an eminent jurist. In 1897, he was elected in the Italian Chamber of Deputies and became Prime Minister of Italy 30 October 1917. History Italy’s eventual involvement in World War I was not as had been expected in 1914. In May 1882, just a decade after her unification, Italy joined the Triple Alliance with Germany and her former enemy (from three wars in the previous 34 years!), Austria-Hungary. Italy was looking for support against France in the hope of gaining colonial rewards. For example, when France took control over Tunisia in 1881, Italy received no diplomatic support for its claims for colonies in north Africa. It really was an alliance of convenience. |
Italian popular opinion and especially Italian irredentists lacked enthusiasm for the Habsburgs who still controlled lands with ethnic Italians in Trentino and Istria. The Austrian government also doubted Italian support and secretly planned for war against Italy. In the Triple Alliance, each member promised mutual support in the event of an attack by any other great power. When Austria-Hungary found itself at war in August 1914 with the rival Triple Entente, Italy proclaimed its neutrality, considering Austria-Hungary the aggressor.
Experience of World War I
After agreeing to join the Entente powers after the treaty of London in 1915, Italy began to fight against Austria-Hungary along the northern border, including high up in Alps along the Isonzo river. The Italian army repeatedly attacked and, despite winning a majority of the battles, suffered heavy losses and made little progress as the mountainous terrain favoured the defender. Italy was then forced to retreat in 1917 by a German-Austrian counter offensive at the Battle of Caporetto after Russia left the war allowing the Central Powers to move reinforcements to the Italian Front from the Eastern Front. The result was considered a national humiliation. Italy suffered 651,000 military dead in total.
Ambitions
Italy expects the promises made in London 1915 to be realised and more if she can get it: Tyrol Austrian Littoral, Northern Dalmatia and islands, Albania, parts of Turkey and colonies in Africa.
Potential rivals and allies
The main rival is Serbia who has designs on many similar territories. Having signed up to the Triple Alliance she has few natural allies amongst the victorious western powers
Experience of World War I
After agreeing to join the Entente powers after the treaty of London in 1915, Italy began to fight against Austria-Hungary along the northern border, including high up in Alps along the Isonzo river. The Italian army repeatedly attacked and, despite winning a majority of the battles, suffered heavy losses and made little progress as the mountainous terrain favoured the defender. Italy was then forced to retreat in 1917 by a German-Austrian counter offensive at the Battle of Caporetto after Russia left the war allowing the Central Powers to move reinforcements to the Italian Front from the Eastern Front. The result was considered a national humiliation. Italy suffered 651,000 military dead in total.
Ambitions
Italy expects the promises made in London 1915 to be realised and more if she can get it: Tyrol Austrian Littoral, Northern Dalmatia and islands, Albania, parts of Turkey and colonies in Africa.
Potential rivals and allies
The main rival is Serbia who has designs on many similar territories. Having signed up to the Triple Alliance she has few natural allies amongst the victorious western powers