War veterans and the transnational origins of Italian Fascism (1917–1919). Issue 4 (7th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alcalde, Ángel
• Is Part Of: Journal of modern Italian studies. Volume 21:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 565
• Page End: 583
• Publication Date: 2016-08-07
• Subjects: War veterans -- Fascism -- transnational history -- First World War -- demobilization -- Mussolini; Italy -- History -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- History -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- Civilization -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- Civilization -- 19th century -- Periodicals; 945.091
• DOI: 10.1080/1354571X.2016.1207317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-571X

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the origins of the historical relationship between war veterans and Fascism. Transcending the predominant paradigm of the controversial 'brutalization' thesis (George L. Mosse), the article relies on a transnational perspective that focuses on the interconnections between historical events and on processes of political communication and symbolic appropriation. Examining historical processes taking place in different European countries, as well as their effects on Mussolini and the Italian interventionists, the article argues that a transnational process of symbolic appropriation of the notion of the 'veteran', taking place between 1917 and 1919, is crucial to understand how the Fascist ideology and movement were born.