Indro Montanelli, Italian journalist and historian (d. 2001)

Indro Alessandro Raffaello Schizogene Montanelli, a name that evokes a significant, albeit complex, figure in 20th-century Italian public life, was born on April 22, 1909, and passed away on July 22, 2001. A distinguished Italian journalist, historian, and writer, Montanelli held the prestigious title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI), the highest honor bestowed by the Italian Republic. His remarkable contributions to journalism were recognized internationally when the International Press Institute named him one of the fifty World Press Freedom Heroes, an accolade that highlights his commitment to the principles of a free press amidst a career marked by both admiration and controversy.

Early Life, War, and Resistance

Fascist Beginnings and Shifting Allegiances

Montanelli's early career was inextricably linked with the political climate of his time. He volunteered for the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936), a colonial conflict initiated by Benito Mussolini's fascist regime, and for a period, he was an admirer of Mussolini's authoritarian rule. During this time, while working for the fascist magazine Civiltà Fascista, Montanelli penned numerous articles that unequivocally expressed racist ideas, advocating for the superiority of the white race and endorsing colonialist ideologies. However, the tumultuous events of World War II dramatically altered his perspective. By 1943, a pivotal year in Italy with the fall of Mussolini and the armistice with the Allies, Montanelli experienced a profound change of heart. He turned away from his fascist sympathies and joined Giustizia e Libertà, a prominent liberal resistance group dedicated to fighting against fascism and the Nazi occupation.

Perilous Escape and a Second Chance

His involvement with the resistance proved perilous. In 1944, he and his wife were discovered and subsequently arrested by Nazi authorities, who had established control over parts of Italy following the armistice. Montanelli was sentenced to death by firing squad. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, he managed to escape to Switzerland the day before his scheduled execution, a feat attributed to the intervention of a secret service double-agent. This brush with death marked a definitive break from his past allegiances and ushered in a new chapter in his life and career.

Post-War Career: Journalism, History, and Independence

A Conservative Voice and Target of Terrorism

After the Second World War, Montanelli re-established himself as one of Italy's most influential voices, becoming a staunch conservative columnist. For decades, he shaped public discourse with his sharp wit and unwavering principles, which sometimes put him at odds with various political factions. His prominence made him a target during the "Years of Lead," a period of widespread social and political unrest in Italy characterized by terrorism. In 1977, the notorious left-wing terrorist group Brigate Rosse (Red Brigades) attempted to assassinate him, severely wounding him but failing to silence his voice.

The Monumental Historian

Beyond his prolific journalism, Montanelli was also a celebrated novelist and, more significantly, a revered historian. He is perhaps best remembered for his monumental work, Storia d'Italia (History of Italy), a comprehensive and accessible 22-volume series that became a staple in Italian households, offering generations of readers a vivid narrative of their nation's past.

Navigating the Media Landscape: il Giornale and Berlusconi

For many years, Montanelli served as the editor of il Giornale, a significant Italian newspaper owned by media mogul Silvio Berlusconi. This role allowed him to wield considerable influence over public opinion. However, Montanelli's fiercely independent journalistic spirit eventually clashed with Berlusconi's burgeoning political ambitions. Known for his unwavering commitment to separating journalism from political partisanship, Montanelli publicly opposed Berlusconi's entry into national politics. This principled stand led him to resign as editor of il Giornale in 1994, rather than compromise his journalistic integrity.

A Re-evaluation: The 2020 Controversies

In the wake of the global Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Montanelli's legacy came under renewed and intense scrutiny, particularly concerning his past racist attitudes and actions. Protests sparked a public re-evaluation of historical figures and monuments. Critics pointed to his writings in Civiltà Fascista, where he explicitly articulated racist ideas, promoting the superiority of the white race and supporting colonialist ideals. Further controversy erupted around allegations that while stationed in Italian Ethiopia during the Ethiopian War, Montanelli had bought and sexually abused a 12-year-old Eritrean girl, whom he later allegedly sold to a general. These deeply disturbing allegations, widely circulated in 2020, reignited debates about his moral character and the appropriateness of public commemorations. Consequently, a statue erected in his honor in Milan was defaced by protestors, who also demanded its removal, highlighting the ongoing societal struggle to reconcile historical achievements with deeply problematic aspects of an individual's past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Indro Montanelli?

Indro Montanelli was a highly influential Italian journalist, historian, and writer, known for his long career in post-war Italy, his monumental Storia d'Italia, and his fierce journalistic independence.

What was Montanelli's stance during the fascist era?

Initially, Montanelli was a volunteer in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and an admirer of Benito Mussolini's dictatorship. He wrote articles expressing racist and colonialist ideas for the fascist magazine Civiltà Fascista. However, he had a change of heart in 1943 and joined the anti-fascist resistance group Giustizia e Libertà.

How did Montanelli escape execution during World War II?

After being arrested by Nazi authorities in 1944 and sentenced to death, Montanelli managed to flee to Switzerland the day before his scheduled execution, reportedly with the assistance of a secret service double-agent.

What were Montanelli's major contributions after World War II?

He became a staunch conservative columnist, founded and edited il Giornale, and authored the acclaimed 22-volume Storia d'Italia (History of Italy).

Why was Montanelli targeted by the Brigate Rosse?

As a prominent conservative figure during Italy's "Years of Lead," Montanelli became a target for the left-wing terrorist group Brigate Rosse, who attempted to assassinate him in 1977.

What was Montanelli's relationship with Silvio Berlusconi?

Montanelli served as the editor of Berlusconi-owned newspaper il Giornale for many years. However, he was strongly opposed to Berlusconi's political ambitions, prioritizing journalistic independence, and consequently resigned from il Giornale in 1994.

What controversies surrounded Montanelli in 2020?

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, Montanelli came under scrutiny for his past racist writings and alleged actions during the Ethiopian War, specifically the accusation of having bought and sexually abused a 12-year-old Eritrean girl. These controversies led to the defacement of his statue in Milan and calls for its removal.