Options in the Kanal Valley (1939-1942)

Abstract

Before the First World War the Kanal Valley was inhabited mostly by people of Slovenian and German nationalities. In 1918 the Valley became part of the Kingdom of Italy. With the coming of fascism to power (1922) systematical inhabiting of the area with Italians and Friulians begun and the national structure of the Valley radically changed. In 1939 the fascist Italy and the nazi Germany made an agreement for deportation of »alienborn« population out of Italy. The majority of the Kanal Valley population optioned for Germany. In the period 1940—1942 many people emigrated but the Second World War prevented consequent emigration. As a result of options the Slovenians and Germans became minorities on their own land. The consequences of options are stili evident today.