Italy in WWI
Why Did Italy Join the War?
When the war first started in 1914, Italy was neutral. At this time Italy was alleys with Germany and Austrian-Hungary, but Britain and France wanted Italy on there side so they could open up a new front to the south of the Western front. So Britain and France offered Italy the Treaty of London, parts of the Dalmatia and numerous islands along Austria-Hungary’s Adriatic coast. German knew the real danger that might come to the central powers if Italy to action, so German tried to keep Italy neutral. In the end Italy knew they would be in trouble if they were attacked by Britain or France, so Italy decided to ally with Britain and France.
#GoodbyeTripleAlliance
Italy During the War.
On May 23, 1915, Italy declared war on Austria Hungary. The Italian forces advanced through Austria-Hungary until they met up with the Austro-Hungarian troops at Isonzo River. By late 1917, Italy and Austria-Hungary had fought no fewer that 11 battles. It wasn't until Germany showed up to help Austria-Hungary that the Italians faced a huge defeat in the Battle of Caporetto and were forced to retreat. This caused the Italian army's leader, Luigi Cadorna, to be dismissed and Armando Diaz became the new leader of the Italian army.
#ReallyItally
End of the War.
When the war ended Italy ended up losing around 2,197,000 soldiers out of 5,615,000 soldiers. Even though Italy lost so many soldiers, they were able to inflict a devastating victory over Austria-Hungary with the help of Britain, France, and the U.S. Even though Britain and France only gave Italy very little territory and wasn't given Dalmatia. This caused difficulties and violent protest to break out in Italy. Italy's war with Austria-Hungary also cost cost the government more than any war in the last 50 years!
#WaronFranceandBritain