THE GOLDEN BOOKS 1915-1918
Italy’s involvement in the First World War was nothing short of disastrous. In 1915, knowing that Italy was keen to expand its geographical area, Britain promised that upon defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy would receive territorial rewards if it supported the cause. Italy broke with The Triple Alliance on 3 May 1915 and just three weeks later declared war on Austria-Hungary, although not on Germany – 5.8 million Italians were mobilised from a population of 38 million.