Revolution

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter traces the response of the military authorities to the chaos unleashed by the fall of Fascism. Due to the prevalence of leftist slogans and symbols like the red flag, the Badoglio government perceived the disorder as politically motivated and engineered by the Communists and other “subversives” bent on revolution. They ordered a harsh crackdown that resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and thousands of arrests across the country. Several episodes of military repression are highlighted, including the shooting of workers at an aeronautics factory in Reggio Emilia and students marching in the streets of Bari. The chapter also examines the efforts of opposition groups to respond to the political upheaval and harness the growing tide of popular protest. Though initially unsuccessful, these efforts began the process of reconstituting the anti-Fascist coalition. The moment also served as an introduction to anti-Fascist politics for many young Italians born under Mussolini’s regime.</jats:p>