Acerbo, Giacomo
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Acerbo, Giacomo: (b. 1888, Loreto Apurtino, near Pescara. d. 1969, Rome). Soldier, economist, and statesman. During a distinguished military career, he was awarded several medals for valor. Entering the political world, he joined the Fascist party and was elected (1921) as a deputy. He became under-secretary to the president of the Consiglio, serving in that post until 1924. In 1924, he became baron of Aterno. Acerbo served as professor of economics and political agriculture at Rome and, in 1926, became vice-president of the Camera. From 1929 to 1935, he served as Minister for Agriculture and the Forests and, for a short time in 1943 (Feb. 5-July 25), was minister of Finance. On July 25, 1943, he was a member of the Grand Council of Fascists that voted against Mussolini. For this action he was condemned to death (in default) by the Fascist tribunal of Verona (Jan.1944). He was later arrested by the Bonami government and sentenced to 30 years for “Great Acts”, but was later amnestied. He was the brother of Tito Acerbo.