(2) Development of Fascism / Mussolini gains power, 1919-22 Flashcards
What was Mussolini’s Fasci di Combattimento?
A national organisation of arditi (ex-soldiers or crack troop commandos) brought together by Mussolini.
When was Mussolini’s Fasci formed?
23 March 1919
What was the policy of the Fasci like in June 1919?
Anticlerical, anti monarchy, wanted an extension of the franchise to women and younger Italians and an 8 hour working day. It also wanted nationalisation of the armaments industry and progressive taxation.
Who did Mussolini appeal to in June 1919?
The working classes.
Where on the political pendulum did Mussolini lie in June 1919?
Much of the policy of his Fasci exposed his socialist roots, however, his alignment with ex-soldiers and patriotism show him already leaning towards the right.
What was trincerocrazia?
An idea from the first world war of camaraderie and togetherness amongst soldiers. Mussolini wanted to take this idea and integrate it into Italian society to reproduce the patriotic feeling of togetherness soldiers had experienced in the war.
How was the uniform of the arditi implemented into the image of Fascism?
The black shirts and flag very quickly became the entire image of the fascist movement. Members of the Fascist Party were commonly known as ‘blackshirts.’
How were socialists and striking workers perceived by the fascisti?
Seen as an internal energy who were as much a threat to the Italian state as the Austrians had been?
How did the fascists organise themselves in 1919?
Organised themselves into small, military units or squads through squadrismo. The members of these squads were called the squadristi. Their role was to squash the socialist threat which they did through extreme violence (the strong culture of violence was created by the war).
What happened in Milan on 15 April 1919?
A fascist squad of 200-300 attacked a socialist demonstration in Milan and burned down the offices of ‘Avanti!’ 3 socialists and 1 fascist were killed. Mussolini had not authorised it but realised what a powerful tool violence could be.
What was Fasci membership in June 1919?
3,000
When was the election in 1919?
November
What was the result of the November 1919 election for the Socialists?
Socialists won the greatest share of the vote (32%) giving them 156 deputies.
What was the result of the November 1919 election for the Fascists?
The Fascists did extremely poorly winning <5,000 votes. Mussolini was humiliated as socialists paraded a coffin symbolising his political career through the streets of Milan.
What was the result of the November 1919 election for the Liberals?
They did very badly in the election - It signalled the beginning of the end for the Liberal government.
Who were the PSI?
The Socialist Party
Who were the PPI?
The Catholic Party
How did the Liberals remain in power despite doing badly in the 1919 election?
Neither the PSI or PPI had a full majority and neither were willing to work with each other. As a result, the Liberals stayed in power by forming weak coalitions leading to instability. This led to more and more Italians wondering whether a radical political system (fascist or socialist) might be a better answer to post-war problems.
What about the squadristi violence on 15 April 1919 suggested to Mussolini that violence would be the best way to achieve power?
The Liberal government had made no attempt to close down the fascists or condemn their action. It was clear to M that the gov were prepared to tolerate the squadristi violence because of their fears of a socialist revolution.
How many workers and peasants belong to unions in January 1920?
2 million
What was the economy like in February 1920?
Weak - economic crisis.
By how much had wheat production fallen between 1914 to 1920?
52 million quintals fell to 38 million quintals.
By how much had industrial production in mines fallen between 1914 to 1920?
15%
How many Italians were unemployed in 1919?
2 million
What were commanding officers of the fascist squads called?
The ras.
When was the New Programme adopted by Mussolini?
May 1920 at the second fascist national congress.
How had the New Programme changed the policy of the Fasci?
It was much more conservative and right wing. It was no longer anti-monarchy or anti-Pope. It included pro-business references and calls for compulsory military service?
How did the Italian population react to Mussolini’s New Programme?
It was considerably more popular and successful among them.
Who resigned on 9 June 1920?
PM Francesco Saverio Nitti
Why did Nitti resign in June 1920?
- The poor economic situation
- The ongoing situation in Fiume which seemed to discredit his government.
- His failure to please either the left or right.
- Failing to secure support from the PPI.
