Post war, a democratic country and founder member of The EU, Italy has been continuously beset by political problems and instability, yet somehow it has risen above all that.

In a brand new course, William discusses how Italy achieved unification into one nation in the mid-19th century, as well as looking at the two great characters of Cavour and Garibaldi. The story moves on as the Italians tried to make unification a reality. From the alliance with the Allies in the First World War, through the Mussolini years and becoming Germany’s ally in the Second World War, William traces Italy’s trajectory.

William Tyler MBE has a large following at JW3, he is a freelance educator, lecturer, public speaker, writer and consultant with a main focus on History. He was the Principal of The City Lit, Britain’s largest college of adult education. He was his awarded his MBE for services to education. During lockdown William created a much followed blog for those attending his sessions. 

Week 1: 13th Jan: A Giant of Italian Unification: Cavour

Week 2: 20th Jan: Final steps to Italian Unification

Week 3: 27th Jan: A Second Giant: Garibaldi

Week 4: 3rd Feb: Imperial African Dreams: 1882-1936

Week 5: 10th Feb: Social Progress and Social Stagnation

17th Feb: No class (half term)

Week 6: 24th Feb: WW1, allied to France and Britain

Week 7: 3rd March: Mussolini takes power, 1922

Week 8: 10th March: Mussolini takes Italy disastrously to war, 1940

Week 9:17th March: Italy becomes a good European

Week 10: 24th March: The Mafia remains a blot and a threat on Italian life

Week 11: 31st March: Berlusconi and other Italian Politicians

Week 12: 7th April: Today & Tomorrow

NB: This series will take place both in the building and online. To watch online, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend in person, click the button below.

Book to attend in person

Please note

A Zoom link to join this series will be included in the confirmation email upon booking. 

This series will take place both in the building and online. To watch online, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend in person, click the button below.

There will be no class on 17 February.

Dates - -

£12 per session or £120 for the series

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