Fasci Siciliani - Aftermath

Aftermath

The brutal repression backfired to some extent. The Fasci leaders used the military tribunals to make impassioned and well-reported speeches in their defence. The tribunals were too repressive and revolted the Liberal consciences of many Northern Italians. In July 1894, in an attempt to recoup his former 'left wing', Crispi introduced a bill to take over large estates and any uncultivated land. Land would be rented out on long leases in medium-sized holdings and leaseholders would be given reduced credit and tax concessions. However, the bill failed to convince the Radicals and democrats of Crispi's good intentions, while it infuriated the Sicilian landowners, who – after the suppression of the Fasci – were now unwilling to make any concessions. They fought hard against the bill, under the leadership of Di Rudiní. When Crispi fell from power after Adwa in March 1896, Di Rudiní became Prime Minister and the Sicilian establishment was safe.

Nevertheless, the revolt inspired social reforms. In 1898 two measures of social legislation were passed by the minister of the treasury of Di Rudini’s cabinet, Luigi Luzzatti. The industrial workmen’s compensation scheme from 1883 was made obligatory with the employer bearing all costs; and a voluntary fund for contributory disability and old age pensions was created.

Many former adherents of the Fasci left Sicily. Life had grown hard and employment difficult to find because of their involvement with the movement. For those in Sicily who wanted to change their life for the better in those days, there were only two alternatives: rebel or emigrate. After the failure of the rebellion many peasants had no choice but to vote with their feet and opted for emigration.

According to Hobsbawm, the Fasci were a prime example of primitive agrarian movement that became modern by aligning itself with socialism and communism. Many of its leaders continued in the Socialist Party and continued the struggle for land rights and land reform once they were released. Despite the 1894 defeat, permanent movements were set up in some areas of Sicily using modern socialist models of organisation. After World War I the communist movement built on these, such as during the Biennio Rosso. The Fasci inspired social struggle in Sicily well into the 1950s.