18 April 1945: Turin general strike

On this day in work and class history, the 18th of April.

On the 18th of April 1945, workers in Turin, Italy, walked out on strike and protested at

Nazi German occupation. Workers and resistance fighters distributed leaflets the previous night,

calling for a walk out. Then on the morning of the 18th of April, factories, workshops, shops,

markets, schools, transport, postal and telephone services were all shut down. Some workers

like a feared mirror fury plant occupied their factories while thousands of others took to the

streets. A huge march went through Piazza Sabotino, headed by women carrying Italian flags and

placards, calling on the fascists to surrender and singing the red flag. When I witnessed

Giorgio Amandola reported, quote, what impressed me was the confidence of the crowd,

the firm and serene courage and an air of celebration and joy. Everyone was happy and seemed

to be saying, you see how strong we are? The fascists did not show up. In fact, the whole

neighborhood was in our hands. Just over a week later, on the 27th of April,

part of Zanz end of the city and by the following day, the last remaining fascist troops had fled.

Learn more about Italian resistance to fascism and Nazism. In episode 77-80 of the Work and Class

History podcast, available wherever you're listening to this podcast.

For sources, maps and all about anniversaries each day, check out the honest day section of our

stories app at stories.workandclasshistory.com and if you value our work, support us at patreon.com,

slash workandclasshistory. Link's in the show notes. The music by Dacar D'Area. See you tomorrow.