Fasci Siciliani

The Fasci Siciliani, short for Fasci Siciliani dei Lavoratori (Sicilian Workers Leagues), are a popular movement of democratic and socialist inspiration, which arises in Sicily in the years between 1889 and 1894.

The Fasci gain the support of the poorest and most exploited classes of the island by channeling their frustration and discontent into a coherent program based on the establishment of new rights.

Consisting of a jumble of traditionalist sentiment, religiosity, and socialist consciousness, the movement reaches its apex in the summer of 1893, when new conditions are presented to the landowners and mine owners of Sicily concerning the renewal of sharecropping and rental contracts.

Upon the rejection of these conditions, there is an outburst of strikes that rapidly spreads throughout the island, and is marked by violent social conflict, almost rising to the point of insurrection.

The leaders of the movement are not able to keep the situation from getting out of control.

The proprietors and landowners ask the government to intervene, and Prime Minister Francesco Crispi declares a state of emergency in January 1894, dissolving the organizations, arresting its leaders and restoring order through the use of extreme force.

Some reforms follow, including workmen's compensation and pension schemes.

The suppression of the strikes also leads to an increase in emigration.

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