Abstract: Donatella Cherubini „Pacifist and Anti-revolutionary Italian Socialism in the Context of World War I. G.E. Modigliani in the Zimmerwald Movement: “War to war” and the United States of Europe (1915–1917)“

In 1914 the choice between patriotism and pacifism was dramatic, both for Peace and Socialist activists: the call of the country defeated pacifist and antimilitarist stances rooted in previous European history.

While the Second International collapsed, the Italian G.E. Modigliani (brother of the painter and anti-revolutionary leader) played a relevant role in war to war.

In 1915-16 he was deeply involved in the Zimmerwald Movement, aiming to summon the proletariat to a common action of peace. Modigliani opposed Lenin who forecast a revolutionary exit; led the majority which confirmed the imperialist character of the war; drafted the final Manifesto along with Trotsky and Rakowsky. The call for a peace without annexations and indemnities was later restated, requesting an immediate armistice.

A fundamental stage was the European Federation, bound to the interests of bourgeoisie and governments but also a guarantee of disarmament and hence of peace. The United States of Europe remained a decisive benchmark until WWII, placing Modigliani among the major defenseurs de la paix.

Colloque international “Les défenseurs de la paix 1899-1917. Approches actuelles, nouveaux regards”, 15-17 janvier 2014

dhiparis

Teamaccount der Redaktion. Forschen – Vermitteln – Qualifizieren: Das DHI Paris ist ein zentraler Akteur international ausgerichteter historischer Forschung im Verbund der Max Weber Stiftung, Deutsche Geisteswissenschaftliche Institute im Ausland.

More Posts


You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search OpenEdition Search

You will be redirected to OpenEdition Search