He wanted to gain the support of the socialists, and focussed on the Partito Socialista Italiano (PSI). In the general election of 1900, it achieved 32 deputies (from a total of 508 seats). By 1913, it had gained nearly a quarter of votes and 79 seats in parliament. Socialism’s growth mirrored Italy’s industrialisation, which promoted political thought, literacy, education and engagement in socialism as a means of working-class advancement. The PSI was led by Filippo Turati. Unlike the government, they engaged with the poor through public meetings, lectures and discussions in bars and cafes. By 1902, 250,000 industrial workers had joined socialist federations, striking for higher wages. 218,000 Italians joined socialist agricultural cooperatives that had been formed by 1910.