The Rebirth of Italian Communism, 1943-44: Dissidents in German-Occupied Rome

During World War II, the Italian Communist Party (PCI) underwent a transformation, emerging as a mass, patriotic force committed to building a new democracy. This book explores how the PCI subdued dissident communist strands and created the Communist Movement of Italy (MCdI) during the German occupation of Rome in 1943-44. It examines the role of draft resistance and labor conscription in driving recruitment to partisan bands and how communist militants sought to mold these recruits through political education. The book also sheds light on an often-ignored underground culture in the years preceding the armed resistance that began in September 1943.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

During the final years of the Second World War, a significant transformation occurred in the Italian left, as the Italian Communist Party (PCI) emerged from clandestine activities and repositioned itself as a mass, patriotic force dedicated to constructing a new democracy. This book delves into the origins and development of this new party, with a particular focus on Rome. It explains that the revival of the PCI necessitated the subjugation of dissident communist ideologies. During the nine-month German occupation of Rome in 1943-44, dissident communists formed the Communist Movement of Italy (MCdI), which sparked a social uprising in the capital's borgate slums.

Exploring this wartime struggle to shape the rebirth of Italian communism, the author examines how a militant minority of communists grounded their activities in the daily lives of the occupied population. In particular, this study highlights the role of draft resistance and the revolt against labor conscription in driving recruitment to partisan bands. Communist militants actively engaged in political education to shape these recruits, aiming to instill a strong sense of communist ideology and values.

By studying the political writings of these dissidents, their autodidact Marxism, and the social contexts in which it emerged, this book sheds light on an often overlooked underground culture in the years preceding the armed resistance that commenced in September 1943.

Revealing an almost unknown history of dissident communism in Italy, distinct from more recognizable traditions like Trotskyism or Bordigism, this book offers an innovative perspective on Italian history. It will be of interest to scholars researching broader topics in political and social history, particularly resistance during World War II and the Italian resistance movement.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030764913
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021