Orphan care in Basilicata after World War I: solidarity and political mobilization

Abstract

This article discusses forms of solidarity implemented in Basilicata after the Great War to help war orphans. First we analyze the actions of the American Red Cross, which provided food aid to orphans following a line of action based on both solidarity and propaganda. Secondly we examine the forms of assistance that had already been provided during the war period: on the one hand the activism of public institutions, which increased welfare interventions, paying particular attention to war orphans; on the other hand the voluntary associations, driven mostly by the patriotic intent that had distinguished them during the war years and which saw them fully committed to the orphans.