The First World War of Italian Geologists: between patriotic interventionism and objective pragmatism

Abstract

Scientific studies dealing with the intimate relationship between geology and First World War appeared in Italy already during the conflict, or in the first decade after the end of hostilities. In this note we have focused on two leading Italian geologists, Enrico Fossa-Mancini and Federico Sacco which dealt with the possible use and importance of geology in military operations, from territorial defense, to detection of optimal areas for large troop movements. Despite the similarity of the subject, and the not excessive time interval between the scripts, the works of the two authors show a dramatically different approach and point of arrival. The analysis by Fossa-Mancini is more objective, detached and pragmatic, being carried out with a 'clear mind' after the end of the conflict. His study is polished and purposeful, identifying the actions required in time of peace to 'geologically' prepare a nation to a potential conflict. Differently, the analysis by Sacco does not take into account the real situation highlighted by Fossa-Mancini (e.g. the complete unpreparedness of the high Italians command in terms of military use of geology), and uses his writing to exalt the primacy of the Italian army in the consideration of geology in military conflicts. In Sacco, geology and the study of the Italian natural territory it is expertly used as a justification and reason for the war, which it is perceived by the author as necessary, of liberation and redemption.