Found what I think to be the answer to my own question about the Tirol cards via wikpedia:
'The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye of 1919 ruled that, according to the Treaty of London, the southern part of Tyrol had to be ceded to the Kingdom of Italy. Italy's border was pushed northward to the strategically important Alpine water divide, including present day-South Tyrol with its large German-speaking majority. The northern part of Tyrol was retained by the First Austrian Republic.'
Looks like the dark haired Italian's foot breaking the back of the blonde haired chained and powerless German who had his country yanked out from him felt betrayed in a way.
At least thats my perception from what I can find out.
