Alcide De Gasperi

"An inspired mediator for democracy and freedom in Europe"

Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi

3 April 1881, Pieve Tesino, Tyrol, Austria-Hungary (now in Italy)

19 August 1954 (aged 73), Borgo Valsugana, Trentino, Italy

He enrolled in the 1896/1897 academic year at the Classical High School "Giovanni Prati" in Trento, demonstrating particular aptitude in Latin, Greek, Italian, German, and Philosophy.
In 1900 he went to Vienna to study Philology at the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy.
During his university studies, he engaged in Christian-social-inspired political activities.
In 1905, De Gasperi obtained a degree in Philology.

1905: After he graduated, he returned to Trentino where he became a reporter for the "La Voce Cattolica" newspaper. He also became politically active in the Unione Politica Popolare del Trentino.
1906: He joined the Trentino People's Party.
1911: He was elected to represent Trentino in the Austrian House of Representatives, a post he held for six years. He used his position to improve the rights for the Italian minority.
1920: De Gasperi co-founded the Italian People's Party, which was outlawed in 1926 as the fascist powers in the Italian government under Mussolini's leadership grew in strength.
From 1921 to 1924: He served as a deputy in the Italian Parliament during a period marked by the rise of fascism.
1927: De Gasperi was arrested and sentenced to 4 years in prison because of his opposition to the fascist regime. He only served 18 months thanks to the Vatican's help.
From 1929 to 1943: He was given asylum within the walls of the Vatican and worked as a librarian.
1943:
- He published "Ideas for Reconstruction".
- De Gasperi helped establish the Christian Democratic Party. After the fascism fell, he became its leader.
From 1945 to 1953: He served as Prime Minister in eight successive governments. Under his leadership, Italy and the United States developed close connections. He also created close economic ties with France.

During this period, Italy was rebuilt through the adoption of a Republican Constitution, the strengthening of domestic democracy, and economic reconstruction.
De Gasperi was determined to restore Italy's international standing and oversaw much of the country's post-war reconstruction. He sought to create the Council of Europe and convinced Italy to sign up for NATO and the American Marshall Plan (which he worked at the realisation of).

Supporter of ECSC and Defense Policy: He supported the Schuman Plan for the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community (during that time, Italy became a member of ECSC), and helped develop the idea of the common European defence policy.
Dedication to European Unity: In 1952, he accepted the Charlemagne Prize for his pro-European commitment.
The ECSC Parliamentary Assembly: He was elected president of the Community's Common Assembly in 1954, the precursor to the European Parliament and the legislative body of the European Coal and Steel Community.
Germany-France Mediator: Alcide De Gasperi was considered a mediator between Germany and France, two nations that had been torn apart by almost a century of conflict. His diplomatic efforts were essential in easing tensions and fostering a more cooperative relationship.
EEC Contributor: In his final years, he was a driving force behind the creation of the European Economic Community. Although he passed away in August 1954 and did not witness its establishment, his significant role was recognized when the Treaties of Rome were signed in 1957.

De Gasperi believed that a united Europe, where individual states would complement and support each other and work together, was necessary to heal the wounds of two World Wars and to help prevent future conflicts. He also believed in the importance of European integration.
Ultimately, De Gasperi's work led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, reducing the chances of war in Europe.