Giovanni Giolitti

Giolitti became prime minister for the first time, leading a coalition government. His tenure was marked by the Banca Romana scandal, which revealed widespread corruption in the banking system. He was forced to resign in 1893 amid public outrage.

Giolitti returned as prime minister and dominated Italian politics until 1914. He pursued a policy of neutralization of class conflict, allowing strikes and legalizing trade unions. He also extended suffrage to all literate men over 21 in 1912.

Giolitti's government declared war on the Ottoman Empire to seize Libya. Italy won the war and gained Libya and the Dodecanese islands. The conflict introduced the use of aircraft in warfare and increased nationalist sentiment in Italy.

When World War I broke out, Giolitti opposed Italy's entry into the war, arguing that the country could gain more by remaining neutral. He resigned as prime minister in 1914 but remained influential. His stance was overridden by interventionists, and Italy entered the war in 1915.