La Société ouvrière de Messine (1860-1914) : un exemple de la diffusion de valeurs progressistes après l'unité italienne

This essay focuses on the foundations of mutuality and solidarity through the history of the working society of Messina. It was the first in the Sicilian city facing the mainland in 1861. The port city is shared between traditions and modernity in the beginning of Italian Unity in 1860, so that workers from differents trades hang out within these society. Though this local study, it will be necessary to understand the rôle of these societies in the emancipation of workers, and in the diffusion of values. More generally, in a feeling of rejection of the southern regions in relation to the Italian Unity, it will be necessary to understand how the begining of democratics and seculars values are spreading within this class, in a place of sociability and exchange between notables and workers. [Publisher's text].