Vittorio Emanuele III, King of Italy
Name
Vittorio Emanuele III, King of Italy
Variant name
Victor Emmanuel III; Vittorio Emanuele Ferdinando Maria Gennaro di Savoia
Gender
Male
Birth
November 11, 1869 Naples
Death
December 28, 1947 Alexandria
Descriptive Note
A member of the House of Savoy, Victor Emmanuel III was King of Italy from 29 July 1900 until his abdication on 9 May 1946. His reign stretched over one of the most tumultuous times of world history, including World Wars I and II, a catastrophic imperial adventure in North Africa that temporarily made Victor Emmanuel "Emperor of Ethiopia" (1936–41) and "King of the Albanians" (1939–43), the rise and fall of Nazi-Fascism, and, ultimately, a civil war and the end of the monarchic system in Italy.
Italy was neutral at the beginning of World War I, despite being part of the Triple Alliance. In April 1915, Italy signed the Treaty of London, committing to enter the war on the side of the Triple Entente. The enormous loss of life suffered by the Royal Italian Army, the defeat of Caporetto, and the post–World War I economic depression fomented extremism among the working classes. Victor Emmanuel saw the rise of Fascism as a force of opposition to left-wing radicalism, socialism, and anarchism.
Initially favoring neutrality, on 1 June 1940, Victor Emmanuel gave Mussolini his permission for Italy to enter World War II on the side of Nazi Germany, ignoring widespread advice that the country was not ready to manage a huge war effort. After a series of disastrous defeats, on 8 September 1943, Victor Emmanuel announced an armistice with the Allies.
By this time, Victor Emmanuel was compromised by his support of the Fascist regime, and after Rome was liberated on 4 June, 1944, he turned over his powers to Umberto II and proclaimed him Lieutenant General of the Realm, while nominally retaining the title of king. In May Victor Emmanuel abdicated, and Umberto II ascended to the throne on 9 May 1946. In the referendum held only a month later, 54 per cent of eligible Italian voters chose the republic, putting an end to the Kingdom of Italy.
Victor Emmanuel and his wife, Queen Elena, participated in numerous events during the Exposition of Turin 1911, including the formal Opening and Closing ceremonies.
Roles
Public Figures;
Public Figures, Kingdom of Italy
Related Protagonists
Related Locations