Includes bibliographical references (pages 366-387) and index.
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
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"The apparent failure of the liberal nation-building project, the structural weaknesses of the Italian state, the chronic reality of 'backwardness', the persistent gap between state and society, and the limited reach of fascist rule, are long-familiar and still important subjects of history enquiry. This book examines these grand themes in the history of modern Italy from an entirely new perspective. It is the first study of modern Italian social politics - that realm of ideas, values, and policies concerned with improvements to the welfare of the people - over the longue duree. This book begins with the premise that though they have been rather neglected by historians, social politics are just as important as high politics are to our understanding of modern Italy.
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Study of social questions can help us to understand more fully the crisis of liberalism and the impact of fascism."--Jacket.