Gaetano Salvemini
Gaetano Salvemini (Italian pronunciation: [ɡaeˈtaːno salˈvɛːmini]; 8 September 1873 – 6 September 1957) was an Italian socialist and anti-fascist politician, historian, and writer. Born in a family of modest means, he became an acclaimed historian both in Italy and abroad, particularly in the United States, after he was forced into exile by Benito Mussolini's Italian fascist regime.
Gaetano Salvemini | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 1 December 1919 – 7 April 1921 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 September 1873 Molfetta, Italy |
| Died | 6 September 1957 (aged 83) Sorrento, Italy |
| Political party | Italian Socialist Party |
| Profession | Historian, writer |
Initially engaging with the Italian Socialist Party, Salvemini later adhered to an independent humanitarian socialism and maintained a commitment to radical political and social reform throughout his life. Salvemini offered significant leadership to political refugees in the United States. His prolific writings shaped the attitudes of American policymakers during and after the Second World War. His transatlantic exile experience endowed him with new insights and a fresh perspective to explain the rise of fascism and shaped the memory of the war and political life in Italy after 1945.
In post-war Italy, Salvemini advocated a third way between the Italian Communist Party and Christian Democracy.