What were the effects of the Second World War on Italy?

Shortly before the end of World War II, Benito was caught and shot to death by communists.  With no leader at the end of the war, the Italian people were divided about the direction of their country's government.  Some Italians wanted a republic, and others wanted a socialist or communist government.  More than half of the Italians wanted the monarchy abolished.  The Italians wanted to create a Constitution.  They held elections for an assembly, whose goal would be to create that document.  The three main political parties at that time were the Socialist Party, the Christian Socialist Party, and the Communist Party.  The Constitution was created and a formal government was established.

Despite the progress made in the Italian government, much of Italy lay in ruins.  There had been an incredible amount of destruction during the war.  Rome, Naples, and many other Italian cities were bombed, causing widespread damage.  Both Italians and non Italians had been concerned about possible damage to historically significant structures.  Despite this, bombings continued. 

The Italian economy had suffered greatly during the war years.  Many Italians were left in poverty by the time the war ended.  In the 1950s, however, the Italian economy made an amazing recovery.  The lives of most Italians improved over this time, and their economy grew.