The Left, the Acerbo law and the 1924 elections. The debate on the party press

Abstract

This paper examines the reactions and internal divisions of the Italian class-based left in response to the Acerbo law of 1923 and the 1924 general elections. Through extensive analysis of party press sources and intra-party dynamics among the socialist, communist, and reformist movements, it reconstructs the failure of proletarian unity efforts and the resulting fragmentation of the opposition. The study highlights the central role of electoral reform as a politi-cal tool, the deepening ideological rifts on the left, and the impact of fascist repression on party decision-making.