Political legitimacy, the PNF, the 'New Programme' and the nature and extent of Fascist support in 1922

Question 1

What was Mussolini’s attempt to appeal to both sides called?

Answer 1

• Dual policy

Question 2

What did the creation of the PNF do for Mussolini?

Answer 2

• Provided more co-ordination to the movement
• Gave Mussolini greater control

Question 3

What is an example of the PNF providing greater control?

Answer 3

• Local branches were set up. ‘respectable’ recruits were attracted and membership dues were collected
• Contrasted to the looser organisation of the violent squads
• Those in control of the party were of Mussolini’s Milan powerbase - loyal to him

Question 4

From 1921 Mussolini was able to take part in…

Answer 4

• Political negotiations legitimately with other parties - provided more finance through opportunities

Question 5

The jump from 1921 to 1922 was monumental as

Answer 5

• 200,000 members in 1921 increased to 300,000 members in 1922 - became the party of the respectable middle classes of Italy
• Other parties began considering including the Fascists in coalitions and in government

Question 6

Mussolini was extremely flexible in his political tendencies as he…

Answer 6

• Declared his opposition to divorce, in an attempt to attract the support of Catholics
• Knew he needed to weaken earlier Fascist demands for economic and social reform - make Fascism more appealing to conservatives

Question 7

Supporters of the PNF were drawn from a wide range of backgrounds but all of them…

Answer 7

• Felt insecure about their economic future
• Worried about the threat of socialism towards their jobs, land and social class

Question 8

One of fascisms greatest strengths was that it appealed to such a wide range of people for e.g.

Answer 8

• Appealed to students whilst also appealing to more conservative parents
• In rural areas, fascism appealed to wealthier peasants or small-scale landowners who felt threatened by Socialist policies regarding land redistribution and tax

Question 9

How were fascist syndicates beneficial for the fascist movement?

Answer 9

• As Socialist and Catholic trade unions were broken up, worker were forced to join Fascist syndicates to gain employment
• Workers joined due to dislike of violence used by Socialist trade unions

Question 10

How were peasants and poorer workers attracted to the movement?

Answer 10

• Workers liked Fascist policies due to fair wages and prices, or providing peasants with land