# Gaetano Bresci

> Italian anarchist regicide of King Umberto I of Italy (1869-1901)

**Wikidata**: [Q378693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q378693)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaetano_Bresci)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gaetano-bresci

## Summary
Gaetano Bresci was an Italian anarchist who assassinated King Umberto I of Italy in 1900. His act was a radical political statement against the monarchy, marking him as a prominent figure in the anarchist movement of the late 19th century.

## Biography
- Born: November 10, 1869
- Nationality: Italian
- Known for: Assassination of King Umberto I of Italy
- Field(s): Political activism, anarchism

## Contributions
- **Regicide of King Umberto I**: On May 29, 1900, Gaetano Bresci shot and killed King Umberto I during a public procession in Milan. The act was motivated by anarchist ideology and was executed using a revolver. Bresci was later arrested, tried, and executed by firing squad on May 22, 1901.

## FAQs
### Who was Gaetano Bresci?
Gaetano Bresci was an Italian anarchist who assassinated King Umberto I of Italy in 1900. His act was a political statement against the monarchy and marked him as a significant figure in the anarchist movement.

### When and where was Gaetano Bresci born?
Gaetano Bresci was born on November 10, 1869. His birthplace is not specified in the provided source material.

### What was Gaetano Bresci known for?
Gaetano Bresci is known for assassinating King Umberto I of Italy in 1900, a radical act motivated by anarchist ideology.

### What was Gaetano Bresci's nationality?
Gaetano Bresci was Italian.

### What was Gaetano Bresci's occupation?
Gaetano Bresci was an anarchist and political activist.

### How did Gaetano Bresci die?
Gaetano Bresci was executed by firing squad on May 22, 1901, following his conviction for the assassination of King Umberto I.

## Why They Matter
Gaetano Bresci's assassination of King Umberto I had a profound impact on Italian politics and the anarchist movement. His act symbolized the extreme opposition to monarchy and authoritarianism, influencing later political movements. His trial and execution drew significant public attention and reinforced the perception of anarchism as a dangerous and radical ideology. Bresci remains a controversial figure in Italian history, representing both the radicalism of the anarchist movement and the harsh penalties imposed on political dissidents.

## Notable For
- Assassinated King Umberto I of Italy in 1900
- Executed by firing squad in 1901 for political regicide
- Prominent figure in the Italian anarchist movement

## Body

### Early Life
Gaetano Bresci was born on November 10, 1869. Little is known about his early life, but he emerged as a prominent figure in the anarchist movement during the late 19th century. His background in anarchist ideology led him to take extreme political action.

### Political Activism
Bresci was deeply involved in anarchist circles, which advocated for the abolition of the state and the overthrow of authoritarian rule. His activism aligned with the broader anarchist movement, which sought to challenge traditional political structures through direct action.

### Assassination of King Umberto I
On May 29, 1900, Gaetano Bresci shot and killed King Umberto I during a public procession in Milan. The act was motivated by anarchist ideology and was executed using a revolver. Bresci's intention was to provoke a revolution and challenge the legitimacy of the monarchy.

### Trial and Execution
Bresci was arrested shortly after the assassination and tried for regicide. The trial drew significant public attention and was marked by intense debate over the morality of political violence. On May 22, 1901, Bresci was executed by firing squad, becoming one of the most infamous figures in Italian anarchist history.

### Legacy
Gaetano Bresci's assassination of King Umberto I remains a landmark event in Italian political history. His act symbolized the extreme opposition to monarchy and authoritarianism, influencing later political movements. His trial and execution reinforced the perception of anarchism as a dangerous and radical ideology, shaping public discourse on political violence. Bresci's legacy continues to be a subject of debate, representing both the radicalism of the anarchist movement and the harsh penalties imposed on political dissidents.

## References

1. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
2. Integrated Authority File
3. general catalog of BnF
4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. IdRef
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Dizionario di Storia