# Alcide De Gasperi > Italian politician and founder of the Christian Democratic Party (1881-1954) **Wikidata**: [Q153832](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q153832) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcide_De_Gasperi) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alcide-de-gasperi ## Summary Alcide De Gasperi was born on April 3, 1881, in Pieve Tesino [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] and died on August 19, 1954, in Borgo Valsugana [1][10][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. He held citizenship in Austria–Hungary, the Kingdom of Italy, and Italy . A native Italian speaker , he was a Catholic who worked as a politician, linguist, journalist, and diplomat [7]. His education took place at Giovanni Prati in Trento and the University of Vienna .De Gasperi held several key government roles, including serving as minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Italy from 1944 to 1945 and again from 1945 to 1946 . He also served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy from 1945 to 1946 and as Provisional Head of State of Italy in 1946 . His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, such as the Charlemagne Prize, the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, an Honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, the Order of San Marino, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles [11][12]. He was buried at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls [13]. # Alcide De Gasperi ## Summary Alcide De Gasperi was an Italian politician who lived from 1881 to 1954 and founded the Christian Democratic Party. He served as a prominent political leader in post-war Italy and became one of the founding members of the European Union. His political career spanned decades and he was instrumental in establishing Italy's democratic foundations after World War II. ## Biography - Born: April 3, 1881 - Nationality: Austria-Hungary (historical), Kingdom of Italy (historical), Italy - Education: University of Vienna - Known for: Founding the Christian Democratic Party and serving as Italian Prime Minister - Employer(s): University of Vienna (educated there) - Field(s): Politics, Diplomacy, Journalism, Linguistics ## Contributions De Gasperi founded the Christian Democratic Party in Italy, which became a major political force in post-war Italy. He served as Prime Minister of Italy for multiple terms, helping to establish democratic governance after the fall of fascism. He was instrumental in Italy's transition from monarchy to republic and played a key role in European integration efforts that eventually led to the European Union. Through his political leadership, he helped stabilize Italy during a crucial period of reconstruction and democratization following World War II. ## FAQs ### What was Alcide De Gasperi's primary contribution to Italian politics? De Gasperi founded the Christian Democratic Party and served as Prime Minister of Italy, helping to establish democratic governance after the fall of fascism. He was instrumental in Italy's transition from monarchy to republic and played a key role in European integration efforts. ### Which educational institution did Alcide De Gasperi attend? De Gasperi was educated at the University of Vienna, one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world founded in 1365. This education shaped his early intellectual development in the context of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. ### What awards and recognition did Alcide De Gasperi receive? De Gasperi received the Charlemagne Prize for work done in the service of European unification, which began being awarded in 1950. He also received the Order of San Marino and was honored as an Honorary doctor of the University of Ottawa. ### What was Alcide De Gasperi's role in European integration? De Gasperi was instrumental in European integration efforts that eventually led to the European Union. He was considered one of the founding members of the European Union and worked toward European unity during his political career. ### What occupations did Alcide De Gasperi hold besides politician? Besides being a politician, De Gasperi was also a linguist, journalist, and diplomat. These diverse roles contributed to his comprehensive approach to governance and international relations. ## Why They Matter Alcide De Gasperi matters significantly because he was instrumental in establishing democratic governance in post-war Italy after the fall of fascism. His leadership helped stabilize Italy during a crucial period of reconstruction and democratization, setting the foundation for the modern Italian state. As one of the founding members of the European Union, his vision for European integration had lasting impact on continental politics and cooperation. Without his leadership during Italy's transition from monarchy to republic and his work toward European unity, the political landscape of both Italy and Europe would have been fundamentally different. ## Notable For - Founding the Christian Democratic Party in Italy - Serving as Prime Minister of Italy for multiple terms - Being one of the founding members of the European Union - Receiving the Charlemagne Prize for work done in the service of European unification - Transitioning Italy from monarchy to republic - Being educated at the University of Vienna, one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world - Holding multiple professional roles as politician, linguist, journalist, and diplomat - Having the Alcide de Gasperi Building named in Luxembourg in his honor - Serving as a key figure in post-war European reconstruction and democratization ## Body ### Early Life and Education Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi was born on April 3, 1881, during the era of Austria-Hungary, a multinational empire in Central Europe that existed from 1867 to 1918. He received his education at the University of Vienna, one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world, founded on March 12, 1365, by Duke Rudolf IV. This educational background was significant as it occurred during the time when the region was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before becoming part of Italy. ### Political Career and Party Foundation De Gasperi founded the Christian Democratic Party in Italy, which became a major political force in post-war Italy. His political career was multifaceted, encompassing roles as a politician, linguist, journalist, and diplomat. He navigated the complex political landscape of early-to-mid 20th century Italy, which saw the transition from the Kingdom of Italy (established March 17, 1861) to the modern Italian Republic established on June 18, 1946. ### Prime Ministership and Governance De Gasperi served as Prime Minister of Italy for multiple terms, providing crucial leadership during the post-World War II reconstruction period. His tenure was marked by efforts to establish democratic governance after the fall of fascism and to navigate Italy's transition from monarchy to republic. He worked to stabilize the country during a critical period of political and economic reconstruction. ### European Integration Efforts One of De Gasperi's most significant contributions was his role in European integration efforts that eventually led to the European Union. He was considered one of the founding members of the European Union and worked actively toward European unity during his political career. His vision extended beyond Italian borders to encompass a unified European continent. ### Recognition and Awards Throughout his career, De Gasperi received numerous honors including the Charlemagne Prize, which began being awarded in 1950 for work done in the service of European unification. He also received the Order of San Marino and was honored as an Honorary doctor of the University of Ottawa, recognizing his contributions to European unity and international relations. ### Legacy and Commemoration De Gasperi's lasting impact is commemorated through the Alcide de Gasperi Building in Luxembourg, constructed in 1965. This building stands as a testament to his contributions to European integration and his role in shaping modern European institutions. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, affecting the trajectory of both Italian and European politics. ### Death and Historical Context De Gasperi passed away on August 19, 1954, leaving behind a significant political legacy. His death occurred during a crucial period in European history when the continent was still rebuilding after World War II and establishing new political structures. His work laid the groundwork for the democratic institutions that would define post-war Europe. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. BeWeB 3. Integrated Authority File 4. storia.camera.it 5. [Da Berlinguer ad Almirante fino a Pannella:quei funerali capaci di riempire le piazze. 2016](https://www.corriere.it/politica/cards/da-berlinguer-ad-almirante-fino-pannella-quei-funerali-capaci-riempire-piazze/de-gasperi-1954_principale.shtml) 6. [Der Karlspreisträger 1952 Alcide de Gasperi](http://www.karlspreis.de/de/preistraeger/alcide-de-gasperi-1952/vita) 7. Journal de Monaco 8. International Standard Name Identifier 9. CiNii Research 10. Virtual International Authority File 11. OPAC SBN 12. Find a Grave 13. SNAC 14. Discogs 15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 16. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 17. Proleksis Encyclopedia 18. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 19. Freebase 20. CONOR.SI 21. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani 22. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 23. Quora 24. Enciclopedia Treccani 25. Dizionario di Storia 26. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands