Blindfolded by a lack of earlier systematic data, comparative studies of regional developments in historical Italy begin with the formation of the Italian state, in 1861. We use literacy rates reported in post-1861 population censuses combined with the fact that literacy skills were usually achieved during youth to predict regional literacy developments all the way back to 1821. Our analysis informs ongoing debates about the origins and long-run evolution of Italy's north-south divide. By lifting the veil into Italy's pre-unification past, we establish that the north-south literacy gap was substantial already in 1821, grew markedly wider in the first half of the 19th century, only to revert back in 1911 to the 1821 level. Gender gaps in literacy essentially close in the north during 1821-1911, while in the south they registered a secular stagnation. This opens an avenue for investigating a new dimension of the north-south gap largely overlooked in the existing literature.

中文翻译：

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开拓过去：先于意大利的意大利区域扫盲运动†

由于缺乏较早的系统数据而蒙住了双眼，对历史性意大利地区发展的比较研究始于1861年意大利状态的形成。我们使用1861年后人口普查中报告的识字率，以及通常具备识字技能的事实在青年时期，人们可以一直预测到1821年区域识字率的发展。我们的分析为有关意大利南北分歧的起源和长期演变的持续辩论提供了信息。通过揭开意大利统一前的面纱，我们确定南北识字率差距在1821年就已经很大，在19世纪上半叶明显扩大，直到1911年才恢复到1821年。1821-1911年间，北方的扫盲性别差距基本缩小了，在南方，他们出现了长期停滞。这为研究现有文献中被忽视的南北差距的新维度开辟了一条途径。