Why Study the Great War's
Italian Front?


Italian 3rd Army Memorial at Redipuglia
Over One Million soldiers, mostly Italians and members of the Austro-Hungarian Army died on the Italian Front between 1915 and 1918. Their final sacrifice plus the incredible determination shown by all the participants deserve the same recognition, understanding and respect shown to the other participants of the Great War.

Alpini Mountain Troops Heading for Combat
The Italian Front was the site of the largest scale mountain warfare in history. Fighting at altitude was exhausting and uniquely dangerous. Over 10,000 died in avalanches in the winter of 1916 alone. The tactical and engineering innovations to deal with these challenges were often spectacular.

World War I Veteran Benito Mussolini After the War
The rise of Fascism and the Second World War were direct results of the Great War. Understanding this phenomenon requires studying the military experience of both sides in this sector. The Italian Fascisti drew heavily on the veteran population and their experience in the trenches which had been shared - for a time - by Mussolini.

Pope John XXIII, once known as Sgt. Angelo Roncali
A remarkable number of the shapers of the 20th Century served on this sector during the war. In many cases their service enlightened them, shook them or redirected their careers. Notable authors, philosophers, artists, scientists, engineers and politicians crossed paths in the mountain and riverfront battlefields of the Italian Front.

Gen.Otto von Below
Victor of Caporetto
Caporetto has the double distinction of being the largest mountain battle in history and the most misunderstood battle of World War I. This famous action will be analyzed in depth in La Grande Guerra.







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Additions and comments on these pages may be directed to:
Michael E. Hanlon (medwardh@hotmail.com) regarding content,
or toLeo Benedetti (leoben@silcon.com) regarding form and function.
Original artwork & copy; © 1998-2000, The Great War Society