The Italian Resistance: Fascists, Guerrillas and the Allies

by Tom Behan

One of the enduring myths about World War Two is that only the Allies liberated occupied Europe. Many countries had anti-fascist Resistance movements, and Italy's was one of the biggest and most politically radical yet it remains relatively unknown outside of its own homeland.

Within Italy many plaques and streets commemorate the actions of the partisans - a movement from below that grew as Mussolini's dictatorship unravelled. Led by radical left forces, the Resistance trod a thin line between fighting their enemies at home and maintaining an uneasy working relationship with the Allies.

Essential for courses on World War Two and European history, Tom Behan uses unpublished archival material and interviews with surviving partisans to tell an inspiring story of liberation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Italy, World War II, European History, War, Politics

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a complex introduction to many aspects of the Italian resistance and the aftermath thereof. It is fascinating to read how fascism and fascists managed to survive the war and hold high office until today. Also interesting how later times indulge in revisionist history that seems to vindicate fascism in Italy. What was a little repulsive was the role of the allies, in particular the CIA (OSS) and British Intelligence in bolstering, supporting and protecting certain fascists after and during the closing stages of WW2. This overt and not so overt interference, the game playing and manipulation of situations acted to support the fascists against the resistance parties. This was very much predicated on the fear of socialism and communism that the allies had, but their approach seemed ill-founded on realities. There was never a Nuremburg trial type approach in Italy because of the almost independent liberation of major Italian cities by the Resistance. I found the book insightful and fascinating in its examination of many elements historical, political, gender relations and cultural. I did have a slight issue with the writing style at times because it seemed rushed, was grammatically problematic and a bit convoluted. However, the book, though complex, was accessible to anyone who wants an introduction to a history of the Italian Resistance and of Italy during WW2.

[Socraticist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a scholarly work (over 40 pages of notes!), but it’s not particularly hard to read. My only quibbles would be that the writing and organization could be a little better. So 4.5 stars, rounded up.

One strength of the book is how it shows the widespread, grass-root support of the resistance in both its civil war and patriotic fight. Another key contribution the book makes is in arguing the complexity and difficulties of the issues involved. In both ways it has achieved its aim in better educating naive readers like me.