Settled post-WWI Adriatic territorial disputes between Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, shaping borders and fueling Italian nationalist grievances.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 12 November 1920
- Signing location
- Rapallo, Italy
- Italy received in Dalmatia
- City of Zadar and several islands
- Free State established
- Free State of Fiume (Rijeka)
- Affected population in SCS Kingdom
- Approx. 500,000 Slovenes and Croats
- Free State abolished after
- 4 years, under Treaty of Rome
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following World War I, Italy sought to claim territories promised under the 1915 Treaty of London in exchange for joining the war against Austria-Hungary. The Paris Peace Conference failed to satisfy Italian demands, producing tension over the Adriatic question and leaving the status of Istria, Dalmatia, and Rijeka unresolved between Italy and the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
Signed on 12 November 1920 in Rapallo, the treaty awarded Italy territories corresponding to Istria, the former County of Gorizia and Gradisca, the Snežnik Plateau, the city of Zadar, and several Dalmatian islands. Most of Dalmatia was excluded from Italian control. The treaty also created the Free State of Fiume as an independent city-state, and included provisions for border demarcation, protection of Italian nationals, and bilateral economic cooperation.
The treaty generated discontent in both countries. In the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Slovenes and Croats resented the loss of territory they inhabited. In Italy, relinquishing claims to Dalmatia strengthened the myth of the mutilated victory, which nationalist figures including Gabriele d'Annunzio exploited. D'Annunzio resisted removal from Rijeka until the Italian Navy expelled him at Bloody Christmas, and the Free State of Fiume was later annexed by Italy under the Treaty of Rome.
Political Outcome
Italy gained Istria, Gorizia and Gradisca, the Snežnik Plateau, Zadar, and several Dalmatian islands; the Free State of Fiume was established as an independent city-state; most of Dalmatia remained outside Italian control.
Adriatic territories disputed and unresolved following WWI armistice and failed Paris Peace Conference negotiations
Italy expanded into Istria and gained Zadar; a neutral Free State of Fiume created; SCS Kingdom retained most of Dalmatia