Proteste e delinquenza: il brigantaggio

Summary

In the aftermath of Italy's unification in 1861, the country faced severe divisions, with significant poverty, illiteracy, and economic disparity between the North and South. In the South, the dominance of land-owning aristocrats fueled discontent, leading to widespread brigandage. Groups of armed rebels, including former soldiers and peasants, led violent uprisings, partly driven by broken promises of land redistribution and resentment towards conscription. The Italian government responded with brutal repression, executing over 3,500 brigands, but this did little to resolve the underlying issues of poverty and distrust in the state.

Takeaways

• 😀 The unification of Italy in 1861 left the country still deeply divided with significant issues like poverty and illiteracy.
• 😀 The South of Italy relied heavily on outdated agriculture, controlled by an aristocratic landowning class.
• 😀 Popular dissatisfaction grew as the government failed to prioritize resolving the Southern question, imposing higher taxes and mandatory military service.
• 😀 The economic and social distress led to the rise of brigandage, a form of organized crime involving ex-soldiers and peasants, who rebelled against politicians and landowners.
• 😀 Brigands were especially active in the region of Irpinia, which lies between Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata, and their presence spread throughout Southern Italy.
• 😀 The motivations for brigandage included anger, poverty, demands for land redistribution, evasion from military conscription, and support from the exiled Bourbons.
• 😀 Carmine Crocco, also known as Donatelli, led an army of over 2,000 people as the leader of the Vulture brigands.
• 😀 The brigands followed a code of honor and used a variety of weapons such as guns, knives, sickles, and farming tools.
• 😀 Their movement was largely made up of men, but included several women, which was unusual for a society where women were expected to stay home or work in fields.
• 😀 The Italian government responded by sending the military to suppress the brigands, executing many without trial, including 3,500 brigands by 1863, though this violence did not resolve the root causes of poverty.

Q & A

What were the main problems in Italy after its unification in 1861?

After the unification of Italy in 1861, the country faced significant issues, including poverty, illiteracy, and large disparities between the north and south. The south, in particular, had an economy based on outdated agriculture dominated by a land-owning aristocracy.

How did the political climate affect the southern regions of Italy?

The southern regions of Italy experienced growing dissatisfaction due to the government's lack of focus on resolving the 'Southern Question' (the issue of economic disparity between the north and south). Taxes were increased, and compulsory military service was imposed, further deepening discontent.

What is brigandage, and how was it related to the socio-political situation in post-unification Italy?

Brigandage refers to the rise of violent criminal gangs in southern Italy, often involving former soldiers, peasants, and other disaffected individuals. It was fueled by poverty, political disillusionment, and the lack of land redistribution promised by Garibaldi, as well as resistance to conscription into the military.

Who was Carmine Crocco, and why was he significant during this time?

Carmine Crocco, also known as Donatelli, was a famous brigand leader who commanded over 2,000 people in the Vulture region of southern Italy. He is known for leading large-scale brigand groups, fighting against the new Italian government and its policies.

What were the key motivations behind the brigands' actions?

The brigands were motivated by a combination of factors, including anger over poverty, the failure of land redistribution, the desire to avoid military service, and support from exiled Bourbon forces who opposed the unification.

What was the structure and organization of the brigand groups?

The brigands did not form a regular army but operated in loosely organized bands, often numbering in the thousands. They were heavily armed, using rifles, pistols, knives, and agricultural tools. Their groups also included women, which was a significant departure from traditional social norms.

How did the Italian government respond to the brigandage problem?

The Italian government responded by sending the military to suppress the brigands, often executing them through firing squads or hangings without trial. They also punished people who were suspected of assisting the brigands.

How many brigands were killed in 1863, and what impact did this have?

In 1863, over 3,500 brigands were killed during the government's crackdown. However, this did not resolve the underlying issues of poverty and inequality, and it created a deep mistrust of the state among the people.

What role did women play in the brigandage phenomenon?

Women played an unusual role in the brigandage phenomenon, with some participating in the brigand groups, which was uncommon in a society where women were typically expected to stay at home or work in the fields.

Why was the failure to address southern Italy's economic issues a major factor in the rise of brigandage?

The failure to address the economic struggles in southern Italy, such as poverty and the lack of land redistribution, led to widespread dissatisfaction. As the government ignored these issues, brigandage became a form of protest and resistance, especially since the promises made during the unification were unfulfilled.