The international dimension of the 1948 Italian election: the American influence in the victory of Christian democracy.

The aftermath of World War II marked a critical juncture in the international landscape, with the United States emerging as a global superpower. In the context of Europe’s post-war recovery, Italy held a strategic position both geographically and politically. This thesis explores the intricate relationship between the United States and Italy in the period 1943–1948, using as a case study the influential role the United States played in the Italian elections of 1948.  Following World War II, Italy was left in political turmoil and economic devastation. The United States recognized Italy’s significance in the broader context of the Cold War, where the ideological struggle between democracy and communism was at its zenith. To counter the perceived threat of communist influence, the American government embarked on a multifaceted strategy to bolster Italy’s new democracy.  The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1947, provided significant economic aid to Europe, facilitating the Italian industrial reconstruction and helping to stabilize the fragile economy. This aid not only served as a means of assistance but also solicited the United States as a crucial ally in Italy’s recovery, guaranteeing the Italian presence in the Occidental sphere of influence. The Italian elections of 1948, the first democratic elections after the fascist regime, were a pivotal moment in this relationship. The United States, fearing a communist victory, engaged in a campaign to support the Christian Democratic Party (DC), led by Alcide De Gasperi, with the crucial support of the Christian Church. American resources and propaganda efforts were channelled to significantly increase DC’s electoral prospects.  Finally, as the thesis will demonstrate, the influence of the Truman government in the Italian elections was significative. The outcome of the election, which resulted in a victory for the Christian Democratic Party, was seen as a significant Cold War triumph for the United States.

The aftermath of World War II marked a critical juncture in the international landscape, with the United States emerging as a global superpower. In the context of Europe’s post-war recovery, Italy held a strategic position both geographically and politically. This thesis explores the intricate relationship between the United States and Italy in the period 1943–1948, using as a case study the influential role the United States played in the Italian elections of 1948.  Following World War II, Italy was left in political turmoil and economic devastation. The United States recognized Italy’s significance in the broader context of the Cold War, where the ideological struggle between democracy and communism was at its zenith. To counter the perceived threat of communist influence, the American government embarked on a multifaceted strategy to bolster Italy’s new democracy.  The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1947, provided significant economic aid to Europe, facilitating the Italian industrial reconstruction and helping to stabilize the fragile economy. This aid not only served as a means of assistance but also solicited the United States as a crucial ally in Italy’s recovery, guaranteeing the Italian presence in the Occidental sphere of influence. The Italian elections of 1948, the first democratic elections after the Fascist regime, were a pivotal moment in this relationship. The United States, fearing a communist victory, engaged in a campaign to support the Christian Democratic Party (DC), led by Alcide De Gasperi, with the crucial support of the Christian Church. American resources and propaganda efforts were channelled to significantly increase DC’s electoral prospects.  Finally, as the thesis will demonstrate, the influence of the Truman government was significative. The outcome of the election, which resulted in a victory for the Christian Democratic Party, was seen as a significant Cold War triumph for the United States.