2-Consolidation 1922-29 Flashcards
What were the 4 phases in establishing a fascist dictatorship?
1: March 1919 - late 1921. The fascist movement grew from a small group of violent misfits to a powerful force in national politics.
2: December 1921 - October 1922. Mussolini exploits crisis conditions in Italy & weaknesses of political system so effectively the ruling elites were panicked into handing him power as PM.
3: October 1922 - 1925. Mussolini consolidates power by challenging constitution & suppressing anti-fascist opposition.
4: 1925 - 1929. Mussolini neutralises potential rivals, begins to put in place structures of regular dictatorship.
What state was Italy in at the beginning of 1922?
Permanent political instability; fascist violence ↑intensity.
Parliamentary gov could only function through patched up coalition by political parties incapable of united action. Gov headed by Bonomi (moderate socialist) since July 1921 depended on alliance w/ popolari (Catholic party).
Feb 1922: PPI withdrew support, Bonomi resigns. This was the 4th gov collapse since 1919 - it was difficult for anyone to form majority gov. King appoints Luigi facta (experienced politician)
What happened to Facta’s government?
He did not have the force of personality/political strength to carry an effective government, his coalition broke up. July 1922- King dismisses him, can’t find anyone else to form a government so Aug 1 he re-appoints Facta
What occurred by the time Facta had been appointed as PM for the 2nd time?
Social unrest, political violence out of control. Fascist membership reaches 300,000. Fascist leaders seize control one city after another; in May 1922 they forcibly remove elected communist council, Bologna.
Countryside ; landlords financing Fascists to intimidate their rebellious labourers. The government and police did little to interfere.
What did the socialists do in response to Facta’s 2nd government, and how did fascists retaliate?
Organised a general strike- hoped it would push the government into taking action against the Fascists. Instead, it gave the fascists an excuse to launch violent attacks against strikers & exposed divisions in Facta’s coalition. Some wanted action to suppress the fascists, others wanted to include them in the government.
By Sep 1922, what 3 political groupings were preparing to take action against the political crisis and how?
1- Traditional political establishment. Expected Facta to resign and new gov to be formed by one of the old leaders, Giolitti/Salandra. Congress of lib politicians held at Bologna early Oct to plan the new gov, to try and ‘tame’ the fascists.
2- Group around Facta, started making military presentations, ordered troops to Rome. Also wanted to use D’Annunzio with his following of ex-soldiers to rival Mussolini- made plans for mass ‘Stop Mussolini’ rally of national unity on Nov 4th
3- Fascists, controlled many local govs in Italy; Mussolini ready to make bid for power. Fascist radicals straining at the leash & Mussolini knew he had to act before Nov 4 rally
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