National subject Y8

Loss of Croatian
territories
6.10.2021.
Italian irredentism and the Adriatic question

As Italy united in 1871 and the nationalistic ideas were on the rise,
there was an idea that all Itallian lands (lands that were influenced by
Italy or had Itallians living in them) should be united with Italy.
Those were the lands of (Istria, Dalmatia, Boka kotorska, Rijeka, and
parts of Slovenia).
An opportunity shows up in 1915 and the “London deal”.
As WWI was at its end, Austro-Hungary already had countries popping
up on its territory (State of SHS).
Also US president Wilson wanted that Italy stays within its borders.
Because of that Italy the day after AH surrendered (3rd Nov.1918)sent an
army to occupy territories that were promised to her by “London contract”.
They had taken a large part of “East Adriatic”.
In such happenings the Versaille peace conference started in 1919.
Italy wanted to keep the occupied lands, Great Britain and France
supported Italy.
Kingdom of SHS and US disputed that claim.
That “Jadransko pitanje” was discussed for the next 2 years without any
solution to show.
Rapallo treaty

As there was no solution after Versailles, Italian and SHS delegates meet
in Rapallo.

On the 12th. Nov.1920., they made a deal. “Rapallo deal”.

According to it, Italy got a bit less than they wanted, but they did keep:
Istria, Cres, Lošinj, Lastov, Palagruža, Zadar and parts of Slovenia.
Map showing
the outlines
of Rapallo
treaty
Croatia lost parts of its territory and for the next 20 years it
was disunified.
It was agreed that Rijeka is an independent state, but in
reality Italy controlled it.
In 1924 with the “Roman deal” it was official that Rijeka is a
part of Italy.
The aftermath of Rapallo

With the “Rapallo contract” Croatia and Slovenia lost parts of territory where more
than half a million Croats and Slovenes lived.

On the occupied territory, Italians conducted ITALIANIZATION.

Croats and Slovenes were even attacked physically, their property was confiscated.

The situation got worse when the faschist came to power in Italy (1925-1943)