De Gasperi, Alcide, << deh GAHS peh ree, ahl CHEE deh >> (1881-1954), leader of the Italian Christian Democratic Party, was premier of Italy from 1945 to 1953. His leadership saved Italy from falling under control of the Communists after World War II. He served in the Austrian Parliament from 1911 to 1918. After his home city of Trento became part of Italy in 1919, De Gasperi led the Popular Party in the Italian Chamber of Deputies. He was imprisoned by Benito Mussolini in 1926. He was foreign minister in 1944 and 1945.
