When in 1915 italy threw in her fate with that of the allies, how many cries of admiration, how many promises were heard? but after the common victory, which cost italy six hundred thousand dead, four hundred thousand lost, one million wounded, when peace was being discussed around the table only the crumbs of a rich colonial booty were left for us to pick up. for thirteen years we have been patient while the circle tightened around us at the hands of those who wish to suffocate us. what is the event that mussolini is referencing in this passage?