The Marseilles Vêpres are a xenophobe movement towards the Italians who during three days in 1881 were the object of violences.

This name refers to the sicilian Vêpres which transfer the French present on the sicilian ground to be made massacre in 1282.

In the years 1880, nearly 250.000 Italian live in Marseilles. They have the reputation to accept without balking the hardest work, while cause a drop in the wages

The treaty of Brado makes pass the supervision of Tunisia of Italy to France. In June 1881, the French troops, of return of Africa, are acclaimed by the Marseillais. Querlques whistles which would have been emitted by Italian puts fire at the powders. During 3 days, true a " drive out with the italiens" is organized, which will make 3 dead and 21 wounded