Treay+of+London

Originally Italy was neutral in World War I. However, around 1915, the Allies said that if Italy joined the war they might be able to gain areas in Austria-Hungary. In the secret Treaty of London (1915) the Allies agreed to help Italy with Austria if Italy provided them with military assistance.1 Italy was promised Trentino, the South Tyrol, Gorizia, Gradisca, Trieste, Istria, parts of Dalmatia, the Adriatic islands, extensions to Libya, Eritrea and Somaliland.2 As well as part of the war insurance as long as Italy declared war within the month. Prime Minister Salandra denounced the Triple Alliance, an alliance between Italy, Germany, and Austria, and parliament voted for war. On August 28, 1915 Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.3

However during the Paris Peace Conference Wilson, who had not signed the Treaty, denounced Italian claims. Prime Minister Orland left the Conference, but returned quickly, afraid Italy would be completely abandoned. In the end Italy received very little.4 Most of its gains were from the Treaty of St Germain, which gave it Trentino, the South Tyrol, Trieste, and Istria. But they gained no colonies and no money. What it added up to was 9,000 square miles with a population of 1.6 million after the 600,000 dead and a huge war debt.5

1Wolfson and Laver 159 2Ibid 160 3Ibid 160 4Ibid 160 5Ibid 160

Wolfson, Robert, and Laver, John. “Years of Change: European History, 1890-1945.” London. 2001