THE ITALIAN ECONOMIC MIRACLE: Post-WWII Industry and Economy in Ciociaria

In 1945 Italy found itself in austere conditions, with 3,000 billion damages suffered from the war. Most of the industrial plants are saved, but the production of 1945 collapses by 29% compared to 1938. Heavy damage to the transport system. Over one and a half million unemployed. Raw materials are lacking, and people suffer from hunger. There is American aid, but it is about launching an organic economic reorganisation plan to restore production levels in 1938. A difficult task, especially in an atmosphere dominated by strong social tensions. These are difficult years characterised by great vitality, by a deep desire to resume a normal life after the horrors of the war. In 1950, the trade balance showed a positive balance for the first time after the war. After reconstruction, the development phase begins. Ciociaria is the prime example of the Italian resurrection.