The retreat of the Italian army was followed by a wave of patriotism
that swept from one end of Italy to the other. If there were some
that were lukewarm before, they were roused to the highest pitch of
enthusiasm for the prosecution of the war. Italy had been invaded, and
that was sufficient to stir the blood of every Italian.
When, in the spring of 1918, Austria launched her great offensive,
she faced an army wholly changed. Indifference had vanished, every man
thirsted for revenge. No Italian would breathe freely until the stain
of the retreat was wiped out. Not an Austrian must remain on Italian
soil. The Austrians were bewildered when, instead of encountering a
demoralized and beaten army, they found themselves face to face with a
new and rejuvenated force.
Instead of advancing, the Austrians were swept off their feet. Instead
of a crumbling line, they met a wall of steel against which their
onslaughts were of no avail. On came the infuriated Italians, crushing
the Austrian offensive and forcing them to beat a hasty retreat.
Austria will never forget the punishment she received on the Piave
(pee-ah-vuh), along the Asiago plateau, and in the vicinity of Monta
Grappa.
[Illustration: AMONG THE COLUMNS OF ST. PETER'S, ROME