Liberation

"Was there a missed opportunity for social revolution in France and Italy during and after the Liberation". For me to successfully answer this I would like to define what a 'social revolution' is. Marx defines social revolution as "a more or less rapid transformation of the foundations of the juridical and political superstructure of society arising from a change in it's economic foundations." (1) A revolution essentially is a sudden upheaval in society, which fundamentally alters the way, that society operates or who that society is run by. It occurs when the mass of the people desire change that their rulers are unwilling or unable to grant. It can not be the result of the action of a small group of plotters. It is also necessary to understand each countries position within the war and how they became involved. At the beginning of World War 2, Germany invaded Poland, causing France, Great Britain and Canada to declare war on Germany. In May 1940, Hitler's troops attacked the West of France. Then without encountering more than sporadically serious opposition, the German armoured divisions outflanked the Maginot line and raced through northern France. Paris was occupied on 14th June. Italy was dragged into WWII by the course of the events rather than a strong combat will. This feeling was shared with every Italian. Mussolini knew all too well that his country, just a few months after it's adventures in Spain and Africa, didn't have the strength to fight a new war. The Italian army was severely unprepared for any campaign as the defeats in Greece, Africa and Russia made clear. When the allies turned their attention to Italy with the invasion of Sicily, the people's rage went! over the top and after the conviction of Mussolini in July of 1943, Italy started discussing a secret armistice with the Allies. Italy never really surrendered, but just changed sides. It is very easy to fall into the tray of believing tha...