What is it about?
Social, political and industrial upheavals swept across Europe after November 1918. These affected the victors too, with some social groups seeking to consolidate gains made during the war, while others attempted to restore pre-war norms. In Italy, industrial unrest in Vincenza added a distinctive gendered character. An overlooked factor is the role of British troops, who became involved with local women factory workers, and hence drawn into direct conflict with the Italian authorities as these attempted to suppress strikes. This confrontation, part of the wider falling out between the wartime allies, was only resolved through hasty removal of British forces.
Featured Image
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Our article shows the the difficulties encountered in managing the first post-war period between allies. In particular, it explains the abandonment of Italy by British troops. It occurred following a clash between Italian military police and British soldiers, clash born because the British soldiers had forcibly freed from arrest a group of Italian women. The women, who worked in a weaving mill, had been arrested for striking. Love had been stronger than respect for the Italian law.
Perspectives
We hope this article help to understand the complexity of the First World War in changing not only the way of fighting, but also social relations.
Paolo Pozzato
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Still Allies? The Women Spinners’ Strike in Arzignano and Italian/British Tensions in Italy During the Immediate Post-First World War Period, International Journal of Military History and Historiography, February 2022, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/24683302-bja10029.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
