1914-22 WW1 and the rise of Fascism Flashcards
Renzo De Felice,
he sees it as something of an aberration; an unfortunate episode seperating italy with the democratic italy that emerged after ww2
how did liberal historian Benedetto Croce describe the rise of fascism, writing in the 1930s and 40s
a momentary contagion
what did Benedetto Croce see the fascist movement as representing
progress and freedom
what does Dennis mack smith see as the key contributory factor to Mussolini’s rise to power
he emphasises the key role of mussolini i turning disorder into political capital
how did mussolini make fascism attractive to the italian people
- took opportunities to exaggerte the socialist threat through Popolo d’italia
- used the newspaper to depict the fascists as selfless individuals rather than violent thugs
- presented the fascist vision as being one of ease, stability, social harmony and respect on the international stage
whose support did Mussolini manage to aquire as a result of his political skill - and how did he do it
conservatives - by abandoning the radical political programme of 1919 and presenting himself as more of a moderate when talking to liberals
how did mussolini provide reassurance
he convinced the liberals he could deal with the socialists
(describe the failings of the liberal state)
(- it had been foisted upon the italian people, they made no attempt to involve the masses in political life, they willingly repressed popular protests, politics was the preserve of a wealthy elite and not dedicated to the public good, politicians primary focus was the acquisition of power and financial gain)
Gramsci - ruse of fascism
a deliberate attempt of the liberals and their conservative and big business allies to crush the growing power of the working class
why was the introduction of mass democracy detrimental for the liberals
it meant that parliament was no longer dominatd by liberals, but their leaders still insisted on maintaining the old liberal style of politics.
how does dennis mack smith describe post ww1 government
it produced unstable coalitions that were either unable or unwilling to enact reform or direct the forces of the state to uphold law and order.
what does martin clark say about liberal involvement in the rise of fascism
they argued they should not be blamed too harshly snf the rise of fascism was not inevitable
what did Alexander De Grand argue led to the rise of fascism
he argued that ww1 worsened class conflict, and fascism grew as a result of the subsequent fear of socialism
what terrified the upper and middle classes in 1919
dictatorship of the proletariat - the socialists becoming the marjority in parliament
why was fascism so appealing to italian conservatives
the liberal governments appeared to have few answers to the socialist strikes and land seizures. the conservatives therefore looked for a more dynamic alternative who could uphold law and protect their interests
de grass - fascist squads
because they generated new recruits and established the credability of the fascist movement
list the reasons why the mistakes of Mussolini’s opponants can be seen as the primary cause for the rise of fascism
- the socialists carried out an ill thought out general strike in 1922
- liberal governments attempted to co-opt and absorb fascism
- the political establishment tolerated the march on rome
- many naively saw it nrhing more than a crude antidote to socialism
- victor emmanuel caused instability by backtracking on the imposition of martial law
- the pope supported fascism and even fostered a close personal relationship with Mussolini
list the reasons why the appeal of fascism can e seen as the primary cause for the rise of fascism
- many liked its anti socialist stance
- it provided a strong alternative to the current state of industrial unrest
- resentful groups, particularly the young, hoped it would smash the old system
- their violence presented the movement as ruthless; which was apealing to italians
- it seemed to offer the only end to class war
list the reasons why Mussolini’s opportunitism can be seen as the primary cause for the rise of fascism
- he abandoned the pact of pacification (a peace agreement between Mussolini, the socialist party and the General Confederation of Labour in Rome on August 2nd 1921
- thier mixture of uniforms, parades and marches suggest dynamism
- made the successful deision to stan for election in 1921
- took the initiative to turn his movement into a party by forming the PNF
- realised that he could fill the much needed roe of a figurehead for the fascist movement
- he realised that socialist politics was no longer viable nd decided to abandon it in 1919
Where did the main group of active fascist supporters come from?
The petty bourgeoisie. A wide range of people from the middle and working class, bound by a collective sense of insecurity.
Why did small farmers support fascism?
They saw socialism as a threat to their land ownership. The resented socialist land leagues (socialist organisations which controlled the rural labour market) because they bullied farmers into hiring workers when they weren’t really needed
Who were the agrari?
Groups of large landowners willing to fund any group that would combat the socialists
Why did industrialists support fascism?
They feared socialism and thought the liberal government was making too many concessions to workers
Why did youths support fascism?
They wanted action and adventure and were angry at their lack of prospects. It was an exciting contrast to the old men of liberal politics
