The Kingdom of Italy, or *Regno d'Italia* as it was known in Italian, represented a pivotal era in the nation's history, stretching from its grand unification in 1861 until the birth of the modern Italian Republic in 1946. This period, marked by both fervent nationalism and profound political upheaval, began when King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia proudly declared himself King of Italy, consolidating the fragmented states of the peninsula into a single entity. It was the culmination of the *Risorgimento*, the spirited movement for Italian unification, largely spearheaded by the industrious and influential Savoy-led Kingdom of Sardinia, which can truly be seen as the new state's legal and historical predecessor.

Early Years, Expansion, and Alliances

The newly formed Kingdom quickly sought to assert its place on the European stage. A significant step came in 1866 when, allying with Prussia, Italy declared war on Austria. Following their victory, Italy gained the crucial region of Veneto, further solidifying its territorial integrity. Just four years later, in 1870, Italian troops marched into Rome, an event of immense symbolic and political importance. This act brought an end to over a millennium of Papal temporal power, fully incorporating the ancient capital into the modern Italian state.

Later, in 1882, Italy joined the formidable Triple Alliance with the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This alliance was primarily driven by strong disagreements with France over colonial expansions, reflecting Italy's growing imperial ambitions. However, the bond within this alliance was complex; while relations with Berlin blossomed into genuine friendship, the alliance with Vienna remained largely a formal one. Italy harbored a deep desire to reclaim Trentino and Trieste, territories within Austria-Hungary predominantly populated by Italians, fueling an irredentist sentiment that simmered beneath the surface. This latent tension ultimately shaped Italy's decision during the tumultuous early days of World War I. When the opportunity arose, Italy accepted an invitation from Britain to join the Allied Powers. The western powers, keen to bring Italy into the fold, promised territorial compensation—at the expense of its former Austro-Hungarian ally—that proved far more generous than Vienna's offers for Italian neutrality. Italy's participation and subsequent victory in the Great War earned it a permanent seat in the prestigious Council of the League of Nations, marking its arrival as a recognized international player.

The Rise and Reign of Fascist Italy

The interwar period saw a dramatic shift in Italy's political landscape with the advent of "Fascist Italy," an era dominated by the National Fascist Party government from 1922 to 1943. Under the charismatic but iron-fisted leadership of Benito Mussolini, who served as head of government, the Fascists imposed a totalitarian rule, systematically crushing all political and intellectual opposition. Despite this oppressive atmosphere, the regime also pursued ambitious goals, promoting economic modernization, reinforcing traditional social values, and notably, achieving a rapprochement with the Roman Catholic Church.

The trajectory of Fascist rule, as historian R.J. Payne notes, can be understood through several distinct phases. The initial phase, from 1923 to 1925, maintained a superficial semblance of the parliamentary system, yet it was fundamentally underpinned by a "legally-organized executive dictatorship." This quickly transitioned into the second, more definitive phase (1925–1929), which saw the full "construction of the Fascist dictatorship proper." A period of slightly less activism followed from 1929 to 1934, before the regime embarked on its fourth and most aggressive phase between 1935 and 1940. This period was characterized by an assertive foreign policy, including the controversial war against Ethiopia, launched from Italian Eritrea and Italian Somaliland, leading to its annexation and international condemnation. These actions brought confrontations with the League of Nations, resulting in sanctions, while domestically, the regime promoted growing economic autarky. The culmination of this aggressive stance was the infamous signing of the Pact of Steel with Nazi Germany.

World War II and the End of the Monarchy

The Pact of Steel irrevocably drew Italy into World War II (1940–1943), marking the fifth and ultimately disastrous phase of Fascist rule. As a leading member of the Axis powers, Italy faced increasing military setbacks and defeats on multiple fronts. By 1943, the combined German-Italian failures and the subsequent Allied landings in Sicily proved to be the final straw for the Fascist regime. Benito Mussolini was arrested by order of King Victor Emmanuel III, signaling the end of his dictatorial reign. The new Italian government then signed an armistice with the Allies in September 1943, effectively withdrawing Italy from the Axis.

However, the nation's ordeal was far from over. German forces swiftly occupied northern and central Italy, establishing the Italian Social Republic—a collaborationist puppet state still nominally led by Mussolini and his loyal Fascist followers. This tragic turn plunged Italy into a brutal civil war, pitting the newly formed Italian Co-belligerent Army and a burgeoning resistance movement against the forces of the Social Republic and its German allies. Following the bitter conclusion of the war and the country's liberation, the nation faced a momentous decision. Widespread civil discontent and a desire for fundamental change led to an institutional referendum. Italians were asked to choose between retaining the monarchy or embracing a republican form of government. In a historic vote, the people decisively chose to abandon the monarchy, paving the way for the formation of the modern Italian Republic, the sovereign state we know today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the Kingdom of Italy?

The Kingdom of Italy (Italian: *Regno d'Italia*) was a state that existed in the Italian peninsula, formed during the unification movement known as the Risorgimento.

When did the Kingdom of Italy exist?

It existed from 1861, when King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia was proclaimed King of Italy, until 1946, when a national referendum led to the abandonment of the monarchy.

How was the Kingdom of Italy formed?

It was formed as a result of the *Risorgimento*, a political and social movement that unified different states of the Italian peninsula under the leadership of the Savoy dynasty and the Kingdom of Sardinia.

What was the Risorgimento?

The *Risorgimento* (Italian for "The Resurgence") was the 19th-century political and social movement that consolidated various states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of the Kingdom of Italy.

What were some key early territorial expansions of the Kingdom of Italy?

Key expansions included gaining the region of Veneto after allying with Prussia in 1866, and incorporating Rome in 1870, thereby ending Papal temporal power.

What was "Fascist Italy"?

"Fascist Italy" refers to the period from 1922 to 1943 when the National Fascist Party, led by Benito Mussolini, governed Italy under a totalitarian regime.

How did the Kingdom of Italy participate in World War II?

Initially a leading member of the Axis powers, Italy suffered numerous defeats, leading to the fall of the Fascist regime in 1943 and a subsequent armistice with the Allies, though it then faced German occupation and civil war.

Who was the King when the Fascist regime fell?

King Victor Emmanuel III was the monarch who ordered Benito Mussolini's arrest in 1943, marking the downfall of the Fascist regime.

How did the Kingdom of Italy end and the Italian Republic begin?

The Kingdom of Italy ended in 1946 following World War II, when civil discontent led to an institutional referendum where the Italian people voted to abandon the monarchy and form the modern Italian Republic.