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History of Italy

Paolo Macry

This course looks at the history of Italy, which dates back 150 years. The lessons in this course will explore the making of Italy, using a concrete or symbolically significant event for each period or problem.

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This course looks at the history of Italy, which dates back 150 years. The lessons in this course will explore the making of Italy, using a concrete or symbolically significant event for each period or problem.

Our interpretation revolves around two apparently conflicting assumptions. On the one hand, if we look at Italy in the long-term, it is a very successful country. It was governed by provincial princes and authoritarian regimes until, in 1861, it became a nation state inspired by models of European liberalism. On the other hand, Italy’s history is punctuated by internal strife, geographical divides, bloody conflicts and civil wars. Good examples are the post-war conflict between fascists and socialists, the period of terrorism and the “civil cold war” between pro and anti Berlusconi factions that marked the last two decades.

Together we will try to work out the answer, an answer that probably lies in political and social stability, the result of a long “Centre” government and parliament, and intelligent governance of outlying regions, especially in the South, by centrist political parties.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The history of italy from 1862 to 1948
  • The events that made italian history great
  • How to critically reflect on political and social issues to better understand contemporary history

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive look at Italian history over a century and a half
Uses specific events to illustrate and analyze Italian history
Examines Italy's political and social challenges and achievements
Offers a unique perspective on Italian history by focusing on key figures and events
Taught by Paolo Macry, a renowned historian of Italy

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for History of Italy. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete History of Italy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
As a Historian, you will interpret the past and explain its implications for the present. By exploring the evolution of Italian society, this course will help you to understand the historical context of current events and trends. This knowledge can help you to make sense of complex historical issues and communicate your findings effectively.
Political Scientist
As a Political Scientist, you will study political systems and institutions. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the political history of Italy, which is essential for understanding contemporary Italian politics. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's political landscape and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to analyze and interpret political events and develop informed opinions on political issues.
Sociologist
As a Sociologist, you will study human societies and their interactions. This course will help you to understand the social and cultural history of Italy, which is essential for understanding contemporary Italian society. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italian culture and society and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to analyze and interpret social trends and develop informed opinions on social issues.
Economist
As an Economist, you will study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the economic history of Italy, which is essential for understanding contemporary Italian economy. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's economic development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to analyze and interpret economic data and develop informed opinions on economic issues.
Journalist
As a Journalist, you will gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history of Italy, which is essential for understanding contemporary Italian society and politics. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to produce informed and insightful news reports.
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you will advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history of Italian law, which is essential for understanding contemporary Italian legal system. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italian law and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to provide informed legal advice and representation to your clients.
Teacher
As a Teacher, you will educate and inspire students in a particular subject area. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for teaching Italian history to your students. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to create engaging and informative lesson plans and to answer your students' questions about Italian history.
Museum curator
As a Museum Curator, you will oversee the care and display of museum collections. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for understanding the artifacts in your collection. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to create engaging and informative exhibits and to answer visitors' questions about Italian history.
Archivist
As an Archivist, you will preserve and organize historical documents. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for understanding the documents in your collection. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to create and maintain a comprehensive and accessible archive.
Librarian
As a Librarian, you will help people find and access information. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for understanding the books and other materials in your collection. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to provide informed assistance to your patrons and to create a welcoming and inclusive library environment.
Tour Guide
As a Tour Guide, you will lead tours of historical sites and landmarks. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for providing informative and engaging tours. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to create memorable experiences for your guests.
Writer
As a Writer, you will create written content for a variety of purposes. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for writing about Italian history and culture. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to create accurate and engaging written content.
Editor
As an Editor, you will review, edit, and proofread written content. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for editing written content about Italian history and culture. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to ensure that the written content you edit is accurate and engaging.
Researcher
As a Researcher, you will conduct research on a variety of topics. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for conducting research on Italian history and culture. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to design and conduct rigorous research projects.
Consultant
As a Consultant, you will provide advice and support to clients on a variety of topics. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Italian history, which is essential for providing advice and support to clients on Italian history and culture. You will learn about the factors that have shaped Italy's development and the challenges that it faces today. This knowledge will help you to provide informed advice and support to your clients.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Italy.
A detailed and scholarly history of Italy from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that shaped Italy during this period.
A detailed and scholarly history of Italy from the Baroque period to the present. Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that shaped Italy during this period.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italy from ancient times to the present. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped Italy over the centuries.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italy from the Roman Empire to the present day. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped Italy over the centuries.
A detailed and scholarly history of Italy from the fall of the Roman Empire to the High Middle Ages. Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that shaped Italy during this period.
A detailed and scholarly history of Italy from the High Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that shaped Italy during this period.
A detailed and scholarly history of Italy during the Renaissance. Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that shaped Italy during this period.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italian philosophy from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the major philosophers, works, and movements that have shaped Italian philosophy.
A cultural and intellectual history of Italy from the Renaissance to the present. Explores the major themes and figures that have shaped Italian thought and culture.
Introduces students to the history of Italy from the 18th century to the present. Provides a comprehensive overview of the major events, themes, and figures that have shaped modern Italy.
A classic work of Italian literary history that explores the development of Italian literature from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Provides a comprehensive overview of the major authors, works, and movements that have shaped Italian literature.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italian art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the major artists, works, and movements that have shaped Italian art.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italian music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the major composers, works, and movements that have shaped Italian music.
A comprehensive and authoritative history of Italian cinema from the early 20th century to the present. Provides a detailed and in-depth look at the major filmmakers, films, and movements that have shaped Italian cinema.

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