King Umberto I ruled Italy from 1878 until his assassination in 1900. His reign witnessed significant industrial growth and the challenging of traditional social structures. However, popular discontent brewed amidst economic hardship and social inequality. Anarchism had gained traction during this period, advocating for the dismantling of existing governmental structures and promoting radical social change. Gaetano Bresci, an Italian expatriate who had settled in the United States, was particularly influenced by these anarchist ideas. In 1900, motivated by the hardships faced by the Italian working class and the king’s perceived indifference to their plight, Bresci made his way back to Italy to carry out his attack on the monarch.

On July 29, during a public event at Monza, Bresci approached King Umberto and fired several shots using a revolver. The attack resulted in the immediate death of the king, which sent shockwaves throughout Italy. The event sparked a fierce crackdown on anarchist activities and led to increased repression of radical movements in the nation. Following the assassination, Umberto's son, Victor Emmanuel III, ascended to the throne at the age of 31, marking a new era in Italian politics under a younger leadership. This transition would lead to significant changes in governance and the direction of Italy in the early 20th century.