Description:This book offers a fresh perspective on the genesis of the Italian republic as viewed through the efforts of its three most influential leaders: Christian Democrat Alcide De Gasperi, Socialist Pietro Nenni and Communist Palmiro Togliatti. The author demonstrates how De Gasperi and his fellow statesmen’s shared experience of Fascist oppression, belief in popular sovereignty and ability to compromise despite ideological differences enabled the creation of Italy’s post-war republic. Drawing on personal papers, speeches and writings as well as governmental and party archives, he shows how these leaders’ political practices and customs continue to define Italian parliamentary life today.