Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1929
Mussolini and Pope Pius XI sign the Lateran Pact, which declares Catholicism as Italy's
sole religion and the Vatican an independent state. Satisfied, the papacy acknowledges the
Kingdom of Italy.
1935
Italy seeks a new colonial conquest through the invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) from Erit-
rea. The League of Nations condemns the invasion and imposes limited sanctions on Italy.
1940
Italy enters WWII on Nazi Germany's side and invades Greece, which quickly proves to be
a mistake. Greek forces counter-attack and enter southern Albania. Germany saves Italy in
1941.
1943
King Vittorio Emanuele III sacks Mussolini. He is replaced by Marshall Badoglio, who sur-
renders after Allied landings in southern Italy. German forces free Mussolini.
1944
Mount Vesuvius explodes back into action on 18 March. The eruption is captured on film
by USAAF (United States Army Air Forces) personnel stationed nearby.
1946
Italians vote in a national referendum to abolish the monarchy and create a republic. King
Umberto II leaves Italy and refuses to recognise the result.
1957
Italy joins France, West Germany and the Benelux countries to sign the Treaty of Rome,
which creates the European Economic Community (EEC). The treaty takes effect on 1
January 1958.
1957
Turin-based car manufacturer Fiat launches the Fiat 500 in July. Designed by Dante Giac-
osa, the compact vehicle would become an icon of Italian industrial design.
1960
