Italy's Situation in the 70's
To understand what was happening in Padova in the 70s we need to take a step back and mention what was happening in the country right before the violence exploded and the story was made in Padova.
Interestingly enough to talk about this period we need to start talking about a movie.
This German movie by Margarethe Von Trotta called "Die Bleierne Zeit" meaning "Years of Lead" gave the name to the 70s in Italy. This is because this movie represents the same oppressive situation characterized by fights and terroristic actions in West Germany during the Cold War. The name itself refers to the lead used to make the bullets used in such attacks.
Who was involved?
There is certainly not a better way to explain who were the main participants in these events both in Italy and Padova than paint. Paint was used from the start to send messages and distinguish areas of control through writings.
On one side the colour black represented the neo-fascist currents. This right-side extremism was responsible for many bomb attacks in 1969.
On the other side, red represented the extreme left-wing current highly influenced by communist ideas, especially Lelinist, and was equally responsible for bomb attacks and plots against the government.
These strong political contrasts are fundamental to understand what happened in Padova and the kind of fights and tensions that were present in the city to make it such a dangerous place in a period of instability.
What influenced this situation?
The influence of Communism and its ideals against Capitalism, expecially developed over the Cold War, was responsible and instigator of rebellious behaviour by the young members of society as some of the interviewees pointed out.
Many different workers' protests and manifestations were happening over 1969, creating even more tension in the country.
Moreover, many student manifestations were taking place. Multiple students were looking for more freedom and to create a life in strong contrast with their parents and their bourgeois ideals. Different diaries of students in those years reveal their change in ideals compared to the previous generation.
This situation of change, contrast of ideas and social tensions appears to have led to the terrible actions that shook Padova, my city. They turned it into a place completely different from the one I got to know when I was living there.