20th Century Italian history

Italy’s 20th-century history was shaped by rapid change: unification in the late 1800s, followed by participation in two World Wars, leading to economic challenges and fascist rule under Mussolini. After WWII, Italy became a republic, rebuilding its economy through the "Italian economic miracle" of the 1950s-60s. Political stability was often fragile, with frequent party shifts and social movements. Italy joined the European Union in 1957, promoting integration. Issues like corruption, regional disparities, and organized crime persisted, but Italy remained culturally influential, balancing tradition with modern development throughout the century.