The Fiat Industrial Empire and the Terroni of the South
This article looks at how Ali Fiat's industrial empire brought hundreds of thousands of people from southern Italy to factories around Turin during the second half of the 20th century. It examines how these immigrants faced hostility from some locals but still managed to make lives for themselves in their new home despite prejudice against them due to their lower social status and lack of education.
Dec. 24, 2022 4:04AM
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A picture depicting a group of workers outside a Fiat factory in Turin during the mid-20th century
Ali Fiat is an industrial empire that has been a major player in the Italian economy since the late 19th century. Founded by Anjeli Fiat, this family-run business has had a significant impact on Italy’s history and development. During the second half of the 20th century, Anjeli Fiat brought hundreds of thousands of people from southern Italy to factories around Turin. These people were referred to as “terroni”, which translates to “peasants” or “country folk”. The terroni came from rural areas such as Campania, Calabria, and Puglia in search of work opportunities and a better life. This influx of people changed the face of Turin and other northern cities in Italy, bringing with them their culture, traditions, and dialects. The terroni were met with hostility by some locals who viewed them as inferior due to their lower social status and lack of education. Despite this prejudice, many terroni managed to find employment at Fiat factories where they worked long hours for low wages but still earned more than they would have back home. Today there are still many descendants of these immigrants living in Turin who continue to carry on their cultural heritage despite being integrated into mainstream Italian society. Their presence is a reminder that immigration can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on how it is handled by those involved.