The Southern Question

The Southern Question refers to the social, economic, and political issues faced by Southern Italy (the Mezzogiorno) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite Italy’s unification, the South lagged behind the North in development, suffering from poverty, poor infrastructure, high illiteracy, and underinvestment. This uneven progress led to regional disparities, social tensions, and frustration among Southerners, questioning the fairness and sustainability of Italy’s unity. The Southern Question highlights the challenge of integrating regions with different economic and social realities into one nation.