Challenges to the Liberal State

The gov hoped that it could ease public anger through political reforms that would allow more Italians to play a role in the political system.

The number of people able to vote increased by 11 million- a new law said all Italians who served at the front or any male 21+ could participate in elections.

Proportional Representation so the public vote would have a greater influence.

Catholic political party formed in 1919, its policy pushed for Catholic interests and values. A major supporter of land reform. The popular agitation for land reform made the PPI a strong political force. Its hostility to the liberal regime made forming coalitions more difficult.

The war and the revolution in Russia encouraged the PSI to become more radical and the party refused to work with liberals, calling for an Italian revolution. Supported strikes and factory occupations.

The political reforms had a large impact on the 1919 election.

PSI won the greatest share of the vote with 32%. 156 socialist deputies taking place in parliament 

PPI won 101 seats.

Neither party had a full majority nor was willing to work with each other in a coalition meaning old liberals still had power, putting together coalition govs that ruled until 1922.

The 1919 election was a lost opportunity to show that democracy could help solve Italy's problems.

Now more Italians beginning to question whether a radical political system, left/right, might be a better answer