Between 1896 and 1914 there were huge political and economic changes that occurred in Italy. There was some progress politically due to Giolitti’s system of appeasing people, however, various different political groups were formed like the socialists, nationalists which show a sign of disunity. Although, economically, Italy did grow between these years with the boom in agricultural industry for example, this growth did not unite Italy as the growth was mainly seen in the North and less so in the South

Italy was clearly disunited politically in the years 1896-1914, which we see from the various different groups/ parties that were formed during the time to oppose Giolitti’s government. During these years, many different groups spread in Italy like the socialists, anarchists and Marxists. All these groups ultimately meant more hard work for Giolitti, as they all opposed the liberal state and the government of Giolliti and hence wanted reform. Many ideas like those of the socialists were spreading due to industrialisation that was going on during this period of time. With areas like Milan growing from 300,000 to 600,000 between 1880-1914, it is clear how ideas could easily spread amongst the masses as there were now more people in areas than ever before. This added to the political disunity as the rising working classes meant that people would be more effective in attacks against government.
Italy was not a democracy in 1896 so the right to vote was held only by the rich due to the parliament being dominated by wealthy landowners, businessmen and professional classes; this resulted in the masses having no say in the Italian government and suggested a low level of equality which consequently led to mass levels of unrest. Evidence of this is where riots occurred on a widespread, regular basis; over 100 protestors were killed in a clash with the army in Milan, 1898 over increased food prices. This level of crisis was most present in the less advanced and more agricultural based South as opposed to the wealthy, rapidly developing North of Italy. This divide was further developed when the new Italian government abolished internal tariffs by creating free trade.
Economically, Italy was far more united in the 1914 then at the end of the 19th century. Giolitty as a prime minister made improvements to the banking system and made their currency much more stable which meant that their currency was worth a fair amount in Europe. Additionally, he raised taxes and cut on spending which allowed them to pay of all the debt as their income as a country was much bigger and the money was not spent on useless investments. In the Alps Italy developed a hydroelectric power which was much cheaper but still as useful and productive as electricity. This meant that Italy did not lose but only gained as the efficiency level was the same but the amount of savings increased. Between 1905 and 1908 the export level increased as Italy became one of the main producers of steal which helped them to build trucks and locomotives. This is clearly indicated by the fact that during those 3 years countries ordered 1000 locomotives from Italy. This meant that they would have much more income from exporting their home made products to other countries.
Concluding, Italy made a huge improvement as they created a stable government which made improvements and tried to satisfy both the north and south which helped them gain support.
Additionally, they improved the economy and decreased the debt in which Italy was which improved their position in the hierarchy of Europe.