We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

History of Italy

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.

Enroll now

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

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

In-depth italian history overview

According to learners, this course offers an incredibly rich and nuanced understanding of Italy's complex history, particularly from 1862 to 1948. Students frequently highlight the professor's captivating storytelling and deep expertise, which makes complex historical periods feel alive and understandable. The course's unique approach, connecting past events to contemporary Italian society and exploring political and social stability, is widely appreciated. While the lectures are comprehensive and well-researched, some students note that the delivery can be traditional and lecture-heavy, with calls for more interactive elements or visual aids. It's considered a solid historical overview for those with a prior interest in the subject, though some felt it might be less accessible for complete beginners.

More suitable for those with prior interest or academic background.

"I was really looking forward to this course, but it felt very academic and not very accessible... It might be better suited for university students."

"I'd say it's best for someone with some prior interest in history, not necessarily a complete beginner."

"If you're looking for a more dynamic learning experience, you might find parts slow. It’s better for those who prefer traditional lecture formats."

Well-curated materials enhance the depth and learning experience.

"The readings were well-curated and added significant depth."

"The supplementary materials were excellent."

"I found the additional resources provided truly enhanced my learning experience and understanding."

Provides a deep and nuanced understanding of Italy's past.

"This course provided an incredibly rich and nuanced understanding of Italy's complex history."

"I gained a profound appreciation for Italy's journey to nationhood and its subsequent challenges."

"It covers a vast period effectively and provides a fresh perspective."

"The course material is well-researched, and the professor presents it in a very coherent manner."

Instructor's passion and expertise make complex history engaging.

"Absolutely brilliant! The professor's storytelling is captivating, making complex historical periods feel alive."

"The instructor's passion for the subject shines through. It's not just dates and names, but a real exploration of the Italian identity."

"The professor's expertise is evident, and the pacing is just right. Highly recommend for history buffs."

"The instructor is brilliant, making even the densest historical periods understandable and interesting."

Lecture-heavy format may lack interactivity for some learners.

"The lectures were informative, though sometimes a bit dry. I felt the course could benefit from more interactive elements."

"The content is good, but the production quality of some older lectures felt a bit dated, especially the audio."

"I found this course quite dry and difficult to follow at times. The lectures were long and mostly just the professor talking."

"There aren't many quizzes or interactive elements to break up the long lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History of Italy with these activities:

Watch a documentary about Italian history

Show steps

Watching a documentary about Italian history will help you to learn about the key events and figures in Italian history in a more engaging way.

Show steps

Find a documentary about Italian history.
Watch the documentary.
Write a short summary of the documentary.

Attend a workshop or lecture about Italian history

Show steps

Attending a workshop or a lecture about Italian history will allow you to learn from experts and to ask questions about the topics that you are interested in.

Show steps

Find a workshop or lecture about Italian history.
Attend the workshop or lecture.
Take notes and ask questions.

Discuss Italian history with other students

Show steps

Discussing Italian history with other students will help you to learn from different perspectives and to develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

Show steps

Find a study partner or group.
Discuss the key events and figures in Italian history.
Share your own insights and perspectives.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a networking event for students of Italian history

Show steps

Attending networking events will allow you to meet other students who are interested in Italian history and to learn about opportunities for further study or research.

Show steps

Find a networking event for students of Italian history.
Attend the event.
Introduce yourself to other students and talk about your interests.

Read 'The Making of Modern Italy' by Denis Mack Smith

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Italy from 1862 to 1948. Reading it will help you to better understand the key events and figures that shaped modern Italy.

View Mussolini on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book.
Take notes on the key points in each chapter.
Write a short summary of the book.

Create a timeline of Italian history

Show steps

Creating a timeline of Italian history will help you to visualize the key events and periods in Italian history and to better understand their relationships to each other.

Show steps

Gather information about key events in Italian history.
Organize the events chronologically.
Create a timeline using a timeline maker or other tool.

Practice answering multiple-choice questions about Italian history

Show steps

Practice answering multiple-choice questions about Italian history will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to better prepare for exams.

Show steps

Find a practice quiz or set of questions about Italian history.
Take the quiz or answer the questions.
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need to improve.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

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.

European Art Cinema

Save

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.

History of Italy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

In-depth italian history overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Audit Track Available

14-Day Full Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner