On 2 June 1946, Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and create a republic. It was a historic moment that followed years of war, occupation, and dictatorship.
The referendum was the first national vote in which Italian women could participate. Over 12 million people chose a republic, while just over 10 million voted to keep the monarchy. With this decision, Italy began a new chapter based on democracy, equality, and popular sovereignty.
The vote came after a long and painful conflict. In 1943, the Fascist regime collapsed as Italy split in two. Some forces remained loyal to Mussolini and Nazi Germany. Others supported the Allies, including the UK, Russia, and members of the Commonwealth.
By mid-1943, Italy’s military position had collapsed. The Allies had won in North Africa and launched a major invasion of Sicily in July. The Fascist Grand Council then met in Rome and voted to remove Mussolini from power. King Victor Emmanuel III dismissed him and appointed Marshal Pietro Badoglio as prime minister.
Badoglio’s government declared war on Germany in October 1943. Italy became a battlefield as the Allies fought their way north. Cities were bombed, and civilians suffered heavy losses.
In the south, the Allies took control after September 1943. Meanwhile, the north remained under German occupation and Mussolini’s puppet regime. The country endured 18 months of war and destruction before final liberation in April 1945.
After the war, Italians demanded change. The monarchy had lost credibility due to its support for Fascism. When the vote came in 1946, the people chose a republic. King Umberto II went into exile.
A new Constituent Assembly began work on a democratic constitution, which took effect in January 1948. Today, 2 June is Republic Day, marking the moment Italy turned the page on dictatorship and embraced democracy.
