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Between 1892 and 1921, Giolitti was prime minister of
Italy 5 times, a duration which had made him the second-longest serving prime minister of Italy (After
Mussolini)
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Following the unification of Italy, Giolitti was responsible for creating an accepted government which adopted certain elements of the extreme sides of the politically right and left
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He was someone with massive ethical concerns and was a left-wing democrat, and was widely recognised as the man who implemented social reforms which improved the living standards of vast Italian families
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Giolitti was very knowledgeable in political arts such as
Transformismo
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Following his graduation, he moved into government roles centred around financial administration
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In 1892 he became prime minister for the very first time, although it would certainly not be his last either
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Giolitti was viewed as a controversial figure by many
Italians, but was also defended by some as a ‘great statesman’ who worked for his country
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An example of this is the ‘Giolittan Manner,’ which was used as a term which referred to Giolitti’s well-known tactics of manipulation and control over party combinations
STRENGTHS
Made significant improvements in social issues ie banned child labour, limited women to 11 hours work a day.
Introduced near universal male suffrage
Gained Libya in the controversial Italo-Turkish war.
Gained Catholic support.
WEAKNESSES
His first term in office was full of problems and mismanagement- banks struggled partially through the rupture with France.
Liquidation of the Banca Romana hurt his reputation and stunk off corruption to the people- forcing his resignation.
His policy of ignoring strikes led to widespread chaos and disruption.
But eventually lost both socialist/nationalist support because of his actions
(social improvements/war) and also from his Catholic alliance.