Years of Lead in Italy

Jul 3, 2024

Years of Lead in Italy

Bella Ciao: Origins and Evolution

  • Originally a protest song in the late 1800s by Northern Italian farmers.
  • Adopted by anti-fascist Italian partisans in 1943 during WWII.
  • The song became a symbol of struggle and liberation.
  • Inspired both unity and division in post-war Italy.

The End of Mussolini and Its Consequences

  • April 28, 1945: Mussolini was killed, marking the end of fascist rule.
  • Italy's economy and infrastructure devastated by Nazi occupation.
  • The U.S. feared a communist takeover and began the Marshall Plan.
  • Italy transitioned to a republic with a new constitution written by all political factions.

Tagliati Amnesty and Its Impact

  • The Tagliati Amnesty (1946) reduced or pardoned sentences of both fascist and anti-fascist prisoners.
  • Led to “Italian amnesia” regarding wartime atrocities and signaled to extremists that they might be pardoned.
  • This compromise planted seeds of future division.

The Political Landscape Post-War

  • Dominated by three main parties: Christian Democrats, Communist Party, and far-right factions like MSI (Italian Social Movement).
  • MSI eventually split into more radical groups: Ordine Nuovo and National Vanguard.
  • Prime Minister Fernando Tambroni's controversial alignment with MSI in 1960 led to nationwide protests and his resignation.

Rise of Radicalization and Violence

  • 1968 movement: Right and left-wing students protested for better social welfare, education, and healthcare.
  • 1969 Milan general strike: Violence erupted, killing Antonio Anaruma, marking the beginning of more widespread violence.
  • Far-left groups focused on assassinations and kidnappings of political targets.
  • Far-right groups, like New Order, focused on civilian targets through bombings.

Major Events and Terror Tactics

  • Piazza Fontana Bombing (Dec 12, 1969): New Order's attack on Milan's National Agricultural Bank killed 17 and injured 88.
  • False Flag Operations: Such as the Petiano bombing in 1972 aiming to force an authoritarian state.

Emergence of Red Brigades

  • Founded in 1970 by Renato Curcio, Margherita Cagol, and Alberto Franceschini.
  • Carried out notorious acts of violence including bombings and assassinations.
  • Notoriety peaked with the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro in 1978.

Aldo Moro Kidnapping and Murder

  • Historic Compromise: Agreement between Christian Democrats and Communists led to Moro's kidnapping by the Red Brigades on March 16, 1978.
  • Red Brigades demanded the release of communist prisoners; negotiations failed.
  • Moro was found dead on May 9, 1978.
  • His death marked a turning point and public support for the Red Brigades plummeted.

Decline of Terrorism and Aftermath

  • 1980s: Arrests of key figures like Mario Moretti marked the decline of the Red Brigades.
  • Far-right terrorism faded after 1984 Bologna bombing.
  • The dissolution of major political parties involved: Christian Democrats, Communist Party, and MSI.

Legacy and Reflection

  • The Years of Lead resulted in deep political and social scars, with 428 deaths and thousands harmed.
  • Questions of justice remain, as many responsible for violence received lenient sentences or escaped punishment.
  • Ongoing debate about how the period is remembered and taught in Italy today.