Action Party (Italy, 1853) facts for kids

The Action Party (called Partito d'Azione in Italian) was an important political group in Italy during a time called the Risorgimento. This was when Italy was becoming a united country. It was the first organized political party in Italy's history.

History of the Action Party

After some big changes and failed revolutions in Italy around 1848, a group called Young Italy, led by Giuseppe Mazzini, changed its name. It became the Italian National Association. Mazzini was still in charge of this group.

During 1848 and 1849, the Italian National Association had a rival. This was the Moderate Party, led by Vincenzo Gioberti and Massimo d'Azeglio. The Moderate Party won elections in the Kingdom of Sardinia and formed a new government.

After a few years, Mazzini renamed the Italian National Association in 1853. It became the Action Party. This new party published a small book called "To the Italians" (Agli Italiani). It asked Italians to start rebel groups and work towards a republic. However, this plan changed after a failed invasion of Sapri in the same year, where Carlo Pisacane died.

In 1860, the Action Party helped create a special military group. This group was led by Giuseppe Garibaldi and was called the Redshirts (Camicie rosse). The Redshirts became very famous for their "Expedition of the Thousand". During this expedition, Garibaldi quickly took control of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and parts of the Papal States.

At this time, the Action Party strongly disagreed with the Moderate Party. The Moderate Party's new leader was Camillo Benso di Cavour, who was close to the royal House of Savoy. Mazzini especially disliked how Italy was being united. He felt that the wars of annexation, the rigged public votes, and the way the Piedmont region was taking over ignored Italy's many different cultures.

The Action Party also did important social work. They started the first groups to help workers, public schools, and cooperative businesses. In 1861, Mazzini started the Action Party's newspaper, called L'Unità italiana.

In 1867, the Action Party tried to finish the unification of Italy by taking over Rome. But their attempt failed at the Battle of Mentana. Feeling disappointed, Mazzini decided to close down the Action Party and left politics. Three years later, in 1870, Rome was finally captured and became the capital of the united Kingdom of Italy.

Later, in 1877, a former member of the Action Party named Agostino Bertani formed a new group. It was called the Historical Far-Left, and many saw it as the true continuation of the Action Party's ideas.

What the Action Party Wanted

The Action Party had clear goals for Italy:

• Uniting Italy: They wanted to bring all of Italy together, including areas they called "Irrident Lands" that were not yet part of Italy.
• Ending Monarchy: They wanted to get rid of the king and create a republic, where the people would elect their leaders.
• Fair Elections: They believed in universal suffrage, which means all adult citizens should have the right to vote.
• Basic Freedoms: They strongly supported important freedoms for everyone, such as:
  • Freedom of religion (being able to believe what you want)
  • Freedom of the press (being able to publish news and ideas)
  • Freedom of speech (being able to say what you think)
  • Freedom of thought (being able to think what you want)

See also

In Spanish: Partido de Acción (1853) para niños

• Liberalism and radicalism in Italy