Driving Modernity: Technology, Experts, Politics, and Fascist Motorways, 1922-1943

On March 26th, 1923, the Milan-Alpine Lakes autostrada was officially started, marking the beginning of the first European motorway. Benito Mussolini participated in the festivities to show how important the project was to Italian Fascism. Driving Modernity explores the autostrada's history, highlighting how Italy failed to realize its ambitious infrastructural vision due to political and social factors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

On March 26th, 1923, a significant milestone was reached as the construction of the Milan-Alpine Lakes autostrada commenced in a formal ceremony. This marked the initial step towards the creation of the first European motorway, a project that held immense importance for Italian Fascism. The involvement of Benito Mussolini himself in the festivities further underscores the profound significance of this initiative to the Italian regime.

Driving Modernity delves into the captivating tale of the autostrada, exploring its intricate journey alongside railways, aviation, and other modes of transportation. Italian authorities envisioned the autostrada as a powerful tool to propagate an ideology of technological nationalism, aiming to enhance the nation's prestige and influence on the global stage. However, the autostrada's fate was far from straightforward, as it encountered a series of challenges that hindered its realization.

This book sheds light on the complex political and social factors that impeded Italy's ability to execute its mammoth infrastructural vision. It examines the power struggles, ideological conflicts, and economic constraints that shaped the autostrada's development, ultimately leading to its incomplete realization. Through a comprehensive analysis, Driving Modernity provides a deep understanding of the factors that contributed to Italy's failure in realizing its infrastructural aspirations.

The autostrada's construction began with great enthusiasm and optimism, as it was seen as a means to modernize the country's transportation infrastructure and promote economic growth. However, the project faced numerous obstacles from the outset. Political instability, regional disparities, and competing interests all played a role in shaping the autostrada's trajectory.

One of the primary challenges was the lack of a coherent national plan. The autostrada was conceived as a series of separate projects, each managed by different regional authorities. This fragmented approach created coordination issues and made it difficult to establish a unified vision for the motorway. Additionally, the project's cost was astronomical, straining Italy's financial resources and leading to concerns about its sustainability.

Furthermore, the autostrada's construction posed significant environmental concerns. The construction of the motorway required the destruction of vast tracts of land, including forests, farmland, and settlements. This led to widespread protests and opposition from local communities, who feared the loss of their livelihoods and the impact on the natural environment.

Despite these challenges, the autostrada continued to progress, driven by the determination of Italian authorities. However, the project's trajectory shifted significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, as political turmoil and economic crises engulfed the country. The autostrada became a symbol of government inefficiency and corruption, with allegations of bribery and mismanagement plaguing the construction process.

In conclusion, Driving Modernity offers a captivating exploration of the Milan-Alpine Lakes autostrada's history, highlighting its significance to Italian Fascism and its complex challenges. Through a detailed analysis of the political, social, and economic factors that shaped the autostrada's development, the book sheds light on the factors that contributed to Italy's failure in realizing its mammoth infrastructural vision. The autostrada's story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of coherent planning, sustainable development, and community engagement in the pursuit of large-scale infrastructure projects.

ISBN-13: 9781800739390