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 [online only]
Week 2: 20th Jan: Final steps to Italian Unification [online only]
Week 3: 27th Jan: A Second Giant: Garibaldi [online only]
Week 4: 3rd Feb: Imperial African Dreams: 1882-1936 [online only]
Week 5: 10th Feb: Social Progress and Social Stagnation [online only]
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 attend in person, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend online, click the button below.
