- 1. The P2 Masonic Lodge, officially known as Propaganda Due, is a notorious and secretive organization that has left an indelible mark on Italian history and society, particularly during the turbulent years of the late 20th century. Established in the late 19th century, it initially functioned as a legitimate Masonic group but underwent a dramatic transformation under the leadership of its grandmaster, Licio Gelli, in the 1960s. P2 espoused a blend of clandestine political maneuvering and fraternal ties, effectively merging its Masonic ideals with a covert agenda that involved swaying governmental decisions, orchestrating political influence, and manipulating media narratives. Its membership roster boasted influential figures, including politicians, military leaders, and industrialists, which fueled allegations of corruption and complicity in various scandals, most notably during Italy's 'Years of Lead'—a period marked by political extremism and violence. The lodge was implicated in numerous controversies surrounding the 1980 Bologna train station bombing and the subsequent cover-ups. In 1981, a police raid uncovered a list of members that shocked the nation, revealing how deeply P2 had infiltrated Italian institutions. The ultimate disbandment of the lodge and the ensuing scandals sparked a national debate about the role of secret societies, the influence of Masonic traditions in governance, and the need for transparency in democratic processes, leaving a complex legacy that continues to intrigue scholars and conspiracy theorists alike.
What does 'P2' stand for in the context of the Masonic lodge?
A) Propaganda Due
B) Propaganda Uno
C) P2 Freemasonry
D) P2 Society
- 2. In what year was the P2 lodge officially founded?
A) 1901
B) 1966
C) 1954
D) 1877
- 3. Which key Italian political figure was associated with the P2 lodge?
A) Giulio Andreotti
B) Licio Gelli
C) Alberto Sordi
D) Silvio Berlusconi
- 4. What was a major scandal involving the P2 lodge in the 1980s?
A) Mafiagate
B) Falcone assassination
C) Tangentopoli scandal
D) Banco Ambrosiano collapse
- 5. What was the primary purpose of the P2 lodge?
A) Philanthropy
B) Political influence
C) Religious activities
D) Art promotion
- 6. The P2 lodge was suspended by which organization in 1981?
A) Grand Orient of Italy
B) United Grand Lodge of England
C) International Masonic Federation
D) Scottish Rite
- 7. In what city was the P2 lodge based?
A) Florence
B) Milan
C) Naples
D) Rome
- 8. What infamous act did P2 allegedly plan during the 1980s?
A) Coup d'état
B) Economic reform
C) Cultural festival
D) Military exercise
- 9. In what year was the P2 lodge formally dissolved?
A) 1985
B) 1979
C) 1982
D) 1990
- 10. P2 was involved in influencing which aspect of Italian society?
A) Media
B) Healthcare
C) Education
D) Transportation
- 11. In what decade did P2 come under public scrutiny?
A) 1960s
B) 1970s
C) 1990s
D) 1980s
- 12. P2 was accused of trying to subvert which type of government system?
A) Communism
B) Dictatorship
C) Democracy
D) Monarchy
- 13. In what program was P2 rumored to be involved?
A) Mafia
B) Gladio
C) Sicilian project
D) Mistral
- 14. Which Italian prime minister was linked to P2?
A) Matteo Renzi
B) Romano Prodi
C) Giulio Andreotti
D) Silvio Berlusconi
- 15. What symbol is often associated with Masonic lodges like P2?
A) Pentagram
B) Celtic knot
C) Square and compasses
D) Cross
- 16. What document listed P2 members and was leaked to the public?
A) Freemasonry Charter
B) Licio Gelli's list
C) Secret Police files
D) Italian Constitution
- 17. P2 has been linked to which notorious global scandal?
A) Watergate
B) Propaganda Due scandal
C) Iran-Contra
D) Monica Lewinsky
- 18. What was a common accusation against members of P2?
A) Charity work
B) Corruption
C) Philosophical discussions
D) Cultural development
- 19. Which famous Italian politician was allegedly a member of P2?
A) Enrico Letta
B) Giorgio Napolitano
C) Matteo Salvini
D) Silvio Berlusconi
- 20. What year did Licio Gelli flee Italy?
A) 1975
B) 1992
C) 1981
D) 1985
- 21. What was the main outcome of the P2 scandal?
A) Greater trust in government
B) Expansion of free speech
C) Promotion of Freemasonry
D) Increased scrutiny of secret societies
- 22. Which famous Italian writer criticized the P2 Lodge?
A) Primo Levi
B) Niccolò Machiavelli
C) Umberto Eco
D) Dante Alighieri
- 23. What type of organization is P2?
A) Religious sect
B) Social club
C) Masonic lodge
D) Political party
- 24. P2 is often described as having a strong influence in which sector?
A) Politics
B) Education
C) Sports
D) Healthcare
- 25. After Gelli's flight, what happened to P2?
A) It became more powerful
B) It was officially dissolved
C) It shifted locations
D) It merged with another lodge
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