The impact of local political culture in Italy at the end of the 19th century

Abstract

Centre-periphery relations in Italy at the end of the 19th century were more articulated than it has been thought until now. In fact, while it is true that the centralist option adopted by the political class which gave way to the birth of the Italian State determined considerably the local autonomy, it is also true that provinces tried to impose many conditions on the centre, and in fact they succeeded, so that they could manage power in the periphery and even determine State legislation. This article follows this line of analysis, specially using the evidence of authors of that time. Already then it was possible to see the numerous paths and dynamics between the central Parliament and local powers.