While
World War I is raging in Europe, Italy debates its entry into the war. Originally part the
Triple Alliance with
Germany and
Austria-Hungary, Italy secretly negotiates with the
Triple Entente trying to fulfil Italy’s
irredentist claims.
January • January 13 – The 6.7
Avezzano earthquake shakes the
Province of L'Aquila in Italy with a maximum
Mercalli intensity of XI (
Extreme). Various agencies estimate the number of people killed to be 29,978–32,610.
February • February 21 – Neutralist organize large events against the war in many Italian cities clashing with interventionists supported by the police. • February 25 – The police start shooting at a rally held in
Reggio Emilia by the socialist irredentist from
Trentino,
Cesare Battisti, demanding Italy join the
Triple Entente against Austria, killing one protester and wounding others.
May • May 3 – Italy officially revokes the Triple Alliance. In the following days
Giovanni Giolitti and the neutralist majority of the Parliament oppose declaring war, while nationalist crowds demonstrate in public areas for entering the war.
June • June 23 – July 7 – The
First Battle of the Isonzo between the Armies of Italy and
Austria-Hungary on the
Italian Front in
World War I. The aim of the Italian Army, under the command of
Luigi Cadorna, was to drive the Austrians away from its defensive positions along the
Soča (Isonzo) and on the nearby mountains.
July • July 18 – August 3 –
Second Battle of the Isonzo. After the failed first attempt, the Italians launch another frontal assault against the Austro-Hungarian trench lines with more artillery, but the forces of Austria-Hungary beat back this bloody offensive, which concludes in stalemate and exhaustion of weaponry.
September • September 5–8 – The
first socialist international anti-war conference is held in Zimmerwald (Switzerland). Participants for the Italian socialists include
Costantino Lazzari,
Giacinto Menotti Serrati,
Giuseppe Emanuele Modigliani,
Oddino Morgari and
Angelica Balabanoff. The conference approved a manifesto condemning the war and proposes joint action for a peace without annexations and without indemnities of war, and the right to self-determination of peoples.
October • October 18 – November 3 –
Third Battle of the Isonzo. Forces of Austria-Hungary again repulse an Italian offensive, which concludes without resulting gains. • October 19 – Italy declares war on
Bulgaria.
November • November 10 – December 2 –
Fourth Battle of the Isonzo. Both sides suffer more casualties, but the Austro-Hungarian forces repulse this Italian offensive too, and the battle ends because of exhaustion of armaments. ==Sports==