Italia irredenta

One reason Italy joined the Allies in World War I was the hope of getting this “unredeemed Italy” — Italia irredenta — as spoils.

Take that question so dear to the country; the question of Italia Irredenta.

The remnants of the old party of action, who still carried the Italia Irredenta banner, had an answer ready.

The original case of irredentism, the desire of Italian nationalists to seize lands governed by Austria -- Italia irredenta, or unredeemed Italy -- was a complicating factor in World War I. Nor does the trouble necessarily end when irredentists achieve their goals.

“Well,” said he, “here is a toast in the meantime: ’Italia irredenta!’“