***(3) Relationship with political and economic interests Flashcards
What did the 1920 programme change about fascist policy with regards to the monarchy?
It excluded any reference to removing the king.
Why did Mussolini need to maintain good relations with the king?
- The King remained head of state with the sole power to remove Mussolini.
- This was important to gain the support of the armed forces and state administration who still retained considerable respect and loyalty to the king.
As the dictatorship became stronger, what happened to the power of King Victor Emmanuel III?
They were slowly eroded.
When was the Fascist Grand Council given power which limited the king’s power?
December 1928
What constitutional right was given to the Fascist Grand Council in December 1928?
- The right to limit the kings power to nominate future prime minsters of Italy.
- Could advise the kind on any future royal succession.
(Humiliation for the king)
How was the King’s power minimised in March 1938?
Parliament passed a law creating the title of First Marshal of the Empire, the highest rank in the military, which was given both to the king and mussolini. Prior, the king had been supreme military commander.
How was the King’s power minimised again in June 1940 when Italy entered WW2?
Mussolini took complete control of the military and the king was denied the role of supreme military commander.
What is an example of the king playing a subservient role to Mussolini?
He made no effort to prevent the implementation of anti-Semitic decrees in 1938.
How could you describe the relationship between the king and Mussolini?
A political balancing act
Why was Mussolini prepared to work with existing conservative elites?
To cement and retain his power as dictator.
What changes were made to the legal system?
It remained largely unchanged. Judges retained their independence from the party although many joined the PNF just in case.
How was the military run?
Mussolini allowed the military to run independently. Mostly left to under-secretaries (generals or admirals).
What changes were made to government administration?
Little change - conservative elites were able to maintain their influential positions in the political system.
What happened to civil servants?
Some were removed due to antifascist political ties but most kept their jobs.
In what ministry had all senior staff been civil servants since 1916?
The Ministry of Corporations
What position was the highest state authority in provinces?
Prefects
What were many prefects?
Career civil servants (not regional fascist leaders)
Who mostly held the position of podestà?
Elderly conservatives, aristocrats and former generals.
What did Mussolini’s relationship with the conservative elites allow for?
Greater acceptance of the dictatorship.
What new position did Mussolini take on in December 1925?
Head of government
What powers did Mussolini get from being Head of government?
- Made him only accountable to the king, not parliament.
- M could decide what parliament could discuss and only he could initiate legislations.
What did a law passed in May 1928 do?
It set out that parliament was to be made up of 400 deputies chosen by the Fascist Grand Council.
What happened to the role of the Fascist Grand Council in December 1928?
It role was formalised in the constitution as the most important legal body in the state. All major matters of government and party policy were to be approved by the Grand Council.
What was the influence of the Grand Council like in reality?
Had little influence - Mussolini retained the power to appoint top PNF leaders and set out laws to be debated by the FGC.
What are two examples of the Fascist Grand Council having little influence?
- It had no consultation on major policies such as the accommodation with the Catholic Church in 1929.
- It had no consultation on Italy’s entry into WW2 in 1940.
Where did central power lie?
With Mussolini
Who appointed the members of the Senate?
The king - these members were appointed for life.