3. Relationship with political and economic interests 1925–40

Question 1

Mussolini’s relationship with the Monarchy

Answer 1

Until September 1943, Italy remained a constitutional monarchy - complex dictatorship in which Mussolini all-powerful ruler but shared power with the monarchy

The monarchy’s power declined e.g the king has been the supreme military commander but in March 1938, the fascist government passed a law creating the title of the First Marshal of the Empire (highest rank in the military hierarchy) given to both the king and Mussolini + Mussolini took complete control of the military when italy entered WW2

Question 2

The Monarchy’ extent of support for Mussolini

Answer 2

The king remained head of the state with the sole power to remove Mussolini however he was unwilling to challenge Mussolini and played a subservient role to the dictator as long as he was able to retain his position e.g. he made no effort to prevent the implementation of racist and unpopular anti-semetic decrees introduced in 1938

Question 3

Mussolini’s relationship with the Conservative Elites

Answer 3

• M prepared to work with existing conservative elites to cement and retain his position as dictator
• The legal system was largely unchanged and judges retained their independence from the party although many did join the PNF to ensure they retained their positions
• Mussolini allowed the military to run independently - despite holding the position of the minister of war, he left the running of armed forces under generals/admirals
• Only civil servants with antifascist political ties were removed

Question 4

Conservative Elites’ extent of support for Mussolini

Answer 4

The old ruling class were able to find an accommodation with fascism as they retained position of power within the political system

For mussolini, this was a crucial relationship that enables a greater acceptance of his dictatorship, albeit at the expense of full facist control of the government

Question 5

Mussolini’s policies to benefit economic Interests

Answer 5

In October 1925, Palazzo Vidoni Pact recognising the facist syndicates as the only representative body for italian workers and ensured the delusion of the catholic, socialist and communist trade unions,

In April 1926 the Rocco law was passed - banned strikes, go-slows and lockouts
From 1927 onwards, workers saw their wages reduced before the cost of living ensuring profits for the industrialists

Question 6

Economic Interests’ extent of support for Mussolini

Answer 6

The richer and agricultural interest groups were the main benefactors of economic policies whilst workers’ interest were subsidiary to the concerns of the more powerful elites

Thus industralists continued to support Mussolini

Question 7

Mussolini’s policies towards centre and Local Government

Answer 7

In local government, the traditional position of the prefects as the highest state authority remained (appointed by Mussolini as elections had been abolished)

The ras had hoped for the provinces to be placed under their control but mussolini had no intention of allowing the facist leaders to have such powerful positions so positions were given to the existing conservatie elite thus local government was largely out of control of the facist party

Question 8

Centre and Local Government’s extent of support for Mussolini

Answer 8

This did not lessen the power of mussolini as the prefects and the podesta ultimately owed their position to mussolini thus ensuring local authorities would carry out his political policies enabling him to strengthen his personal dictatorship