Battles & Campaigns · 1920
Treaty of Rapallo (1920)
Rapallo, Liguria, Italy
What happened
Meeting at the Villa Spinola in Rapallo, the two countries agreed their border after the First World War. Italy received Istria with Trieste, Pula and Gorizia, the city of Zadar and several islands. The city of Rijeka (Fiume) became a small independent Free State.
Why it matters
It was meant to settle Italy's claims on the Adriatic coast. It was unpopular in both countries, and many people found themselves on the 'wrong' side of the new border.
What came next
The Italian navy removed Gabriele d'Annunzio's forces from Rijeka, and in 1924 Italy annexed Fiume under the Treaty of Rome.
Did you know?
Rapallo saw a second famous treaty two years later, between Germany and Soviet Russia.
Timeline
- 1915Treaty of London sets out Italy's claims.
- 12 Nov 1920Treaty of Rapallo signed.
- 1922A second Treaty of Rapallo is signed by Germany and Soviet Russia.
- 1924Italy annexes Fiume under the Treaty of Rome.