The Italian Way

The Generous Anachronisms of Italian Patriotism

Abstract

This article focuses on the prominent role of uses of the past in the Italian political and cultural building process. Departing from the conceptual distinction between nationalization and modernization, the author underscores the tensions and shades involved in this process. The discipline of History has served since the Unification to the present day to build a common past and identity even if through historical anachronisms. This national pedagogical task, however, has not always followed an unidirectional path; neither has it succeeded in reaching a deep social scope, nor has it put an end to the quarrels about [the lack of ] Italian national identity.