In the year 1910, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Italy, two Italian

writers founded what came to be known as the Italian Nationalist Association, often

known by its Italian abbreviation, ANI. The ANI held its first conference in December 1910. The keynote speaker said,

in part, there are proletarian nations, as well as proletarian classes. That is to say, there are

nations whose living conditions are subject to great disadvantage

compared to the way of life of other nations, just as classes are.

Once this is realized, nationalism must, above all, insist firmly on the truth.

Italy is, materially and morally, a proletarian nation.

What is more, she is proletarian at a period before her recovery.

That is to say, before she is organized, at a period when she is still groping and weak

and being subjected to other nations, she is weak not in the strength of her people,

but in her strength as a nation.

Nationalism must become, to use a rather strained comparison, our national socialism.

That is to say, that just as socialism taught the proletariat the value of the class struggle,

we must teach Italy the value of the international class struggle.

But international class struggle means war.

Well, let it be war.

And let nationalism arouse in Italy the will to win a war.

We propose a means of national redemption, which we sum up in the expression, the need for war.

Welcome to the history of the 20th century.

The 20th century. Episode 66, An immense box of sand.

Yeah, I don't know about you, but that whole national socialism thing is creeping me out.

...