Italy's Motives for War

• Italy declared its neutrality on 2nd August 1914

  • Many felt that this broke the terms of the Triple Alliance
• However, the agreement Italy had signed in 1882 stated that the war Italy would support had to be defensive and seeing as Austria-Hungary had invaded Serbia Italy could avoid committing itself to military involvement
• Italy was concerned about Austria’s intentions in the Balkans as they seemed to be expansionist which was against their own interests in the region
• Despite most Italians being happy with their neutral status, the victory of either side without Italian involvement appeared risky
• The Central Powers would likely exercise harsh treatment towards Italy in its peace settlement
• The Allies would be unlikely to grant Italy the territory they desired, specifically Tyrol and Istria
• In early 1915 Italy began negotiations with both sides
• The Central Powers gave many concessions but Austria would not give up much of the territory Italy wanted
• The Allies offered the territories Italy wanted which they anticipated seizing from the Habsburg Empire on defeat
• The Allies offer was sealed with the Treaty of London, signed on 26th April 1915
• On 24th May Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary