Italy's Social and Geographic Impact
Religion
Religion in Italy remained constant throughout the times of World War 2. Roman Catholicism remained the dominant religion amongst all Italians. Although this was the case, Jews still remained a major factor as they were the first choice to ask for loans. Jews were also persecuted and had to live apart for others and wear a symbol that distinguishes them from the Roman Catholics. 7,000 of these Jews were killed during the war, but about 40,000 still live in Italy. Landmarks such as the Vatican were known as neutral grounds for all people during the war. Even today, the Roman Catholic Church is still important in the life of the people in Italy. Many look up to the Pope for guidance during rough times.
Migration / Immigration
In the 1800's the migration of people in and out of Italy was a common thing. People have moved from southern Italy to the north or center. After the end of fascism, Italy entered an awkward stage with surprising economic growth and huge movement in the population. Because of economic issues for those living in rural areas, many moved to major cities such as Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Rome. The movement still happens today but in much less quantity.
Death Toll
World War 2 obviously and inevitably brought a large amount of deaths to the civilian population. The amount of military deaths from Italy was approximately 380,000. The amount of civilian deaths was about 153,000. These deaths could have come from a range of events such as murders between political parties to the bombing of dense areas. The murder of Jews in the Holocaust during this time in Italy was approximately 8,000.
Geography
Italy had many colonies before WW2 in Africa. The colonies it owned were often called, "Africa Orientale Italiana." These countries included Ethiopia, Somalia, and Libya among others. These colonies were all lost after the war. Some territories east of Venice towards Yugoslavia were lost. Overseas territories were also overtaken. The British and Americans also overtook Italy's capital, Rome, and reorganized the country. Because of this, many young Italian men went to live in the Americas post-war.
General
The United States was worried that many Italian Americans' and their colonies would have tension with Mussolini during WW2 that is exactly what happened. These Italian Americans declare loyalty to the States at the beginning of the war. At the end of the war, many of these families moved back to their homeland and joined the middle-class. Although, they are depicted as gangsters, they still prosper.
Lost Treasures
During the horrible fighting that occurred during the war, many architectural or artistic treasures were inevitably destroyed, purposely, or accidentally. Arial bombs and missiles caused much of this destruction. The German army retreated from Rome, but it went to Florence and Pisa where many treasures were kept. The Italians couldn't wipe that area clean with missiles so they had to undergo sabotage plans. The Nazis finally retreated, but not after destroying many bridges and a bridge designed by Michelangelo. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge was not destroyed because of its beauty. Instead, many mediaeval buildings were destroyed around it. Pisa was not so lucky. A nearby cemetery that held many biblical artifacts and was said to contain soil from Jesus' burial ground was completely destroyed by an enormous fire.
Religion
Religion in Italy remained constant throughout the times of World War 2. Roman Catholicism remained the dominant religion amongst all Italians. Although this was the case, Jews still remained a major factor as they were the first choice to ask for loans. Jews were also persecuted and had to live apart for others and wear a symbol that distinguishes them from the Roman Catholics. 7,000 of these Jews were killed during the war, but about 40,000 still live in Italy. Landmarks such as the Vatican were known as neutral grounds for all people during the war. Even today, the Roman Catholic Church is still important in the life of the people in Italy. Many look up to the Pope for guidance during rough times.
Migration / Immigration
In the 1800's the migration of people in and out of Italy was a common thing. People have moved from southern Italy to the north or center. After the end of fascism, Italy entered an awkward stage with surprising economic growth and huge movement in the population. Because of economic issues for those living in rural areas, many moved to major cities such as Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Rome. The movement still happens today but in much less quantity.
Death Toll
World War 2 obviously and inevitably brought a large amount of deaths to the civilian population. The amount of military deaths from Italy was approximately 380,000. The amount of civilian deaths was about 153,000. These deaths could have come from a range of events such as murders between political parties to the bombing of dense areas. The murder of Jews in the Holocaust during this time in Italy was approximately 8,000.
Geography
Italy had many colonies before WW2 in Africa. The colonies it owned were often called, "Africa Orientale Italiana." These countries included Ethiopia, Somalia, and Libya among others. These colonies were all lost after the war. Some territories east of Venice towards Yugoslavia were lost. Overseas territories were also overtaken. The British and Americans also overtook Italy's capital, Rome, and reorganized the country. Because of this, many young Italian men went to live in the Americas post-war.
General
The United States was worried that many Italian Americans' and their colonies would have tension with Mussolini during WW2 that is exactly what happened. These Italian Americans declare loyalty to the States at the beginning of the war. At the end of the war, many of these families moved back to their homeland and joined the middle-class. Although, they are depicted as gangsters, they still prosper.
Lost Treasures
During the horrible fighting that occurred during the war, many architectural or artistic treasures were inevitably destroyed, purposely, or accidentally. Arial bombs and missiles caused much of this destruction. The German army retreated from Rome, but it went to Florence and Pisa where many treasures were kept. The Italians couldn't wipe that area clean with missiles so they had to undergo sabotage plans. The Nazis finally retreated, but not after destroying many bridges and a bridge designed by Michelangelo. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge was not destroyed because of its beauty. Instead, many mediaeval buildings were destroyed around it. Pisa was not so lucky. A nearby cemetery that held many biblical artifacts and was said to contain soil from Jesus' burial ground was completely destroyed by an enormous fire.