Advantages For Fascism Flashcards
Government instability following the election helped Mussolini:
-Giolitti’s coalition without Fascists collapsed after one month.
-Popolari withdrew support when Giolitti proposed a tax which would affect Vatican finances.
-Without Popolari support, virtually impossible to form government.
-Liberalism was divided – still plagued by factions around figures such as Facta, Giolitti, Salandra and Orlando, who all disliked each other.
-None of the three governments between May 1921 and October 1922 were able to deal with industrial disruption and the collapse of law and order, due to fragility.
There was a collapse in law and order:
-mainly due to squadrismo, which continued throughout 1921, as Socialists were still being attacked and killed
-October 1921: Mussolini increased control over Fascism by forming the National Fascist Party (command more widespread support and make it cohesive political force)
-Mussolini was accepted as leader of Fascism a month later – giving him more authority over it. The party was to be run by Mussolini’s loyal supporters.
-He had greater control over squadristi, authority was not total, but still unchallenged.
How did Mussolini seek to reassure Catholicism?
-Declared Fascism to be opposed to divorce (same as PPI).
-Believed peasants deserved better.
-Prepared to settle the Roman Question on terms accepta
How did Mussolini seek to reassure conservatives?
-Questioned governments ability to restore order.
-Dropped left wing policies developed in 1919, and moved to right of the political spectrum, but distanced himself from radical ideas.
-Concentrated on what Fascism was against – Socialism, Liberalism etc.
-Only described policies generally – emphasising patriotism, commitment to strong government.
-Make everyone feel they had nothing to fear from Fascism.
How did Mussolini exploited Fascist violence to his advantage?
-Realised police and army could destroy his movement. He encouraged squadristi to continue campaign (suggested he agreed with their aims for violent seizure of power - implied to conservatives that he wasn’t)
-persuaded conservatives he would discipline the perpetrators of the worst violence. (Said would only be able to do this if they elected the Fascists)
-Then promised he would make it become a more respectable party.
Timeline of Fascist actions against socialists in 1922 (benefits to fascism)
Early 1922: squadristi attacked Socialist council towns and TU offices in Northern Italy.
May 1922: Socialist council in Bologna was driven out of office.
July 1922: street-fighting in many Northern cities.
-During this, Mussolini communicated with Liberals that Fascism was a powerful force, but stressed that he was far from a ‘rabid revolutionary’
-Hinted would be interested in a coalition with the Liberals (making them less likely to use police force against them).
How was The General Strike of late July 1922 a significant event?
-Socialist TUs called general strike to make government act against Fascism.
-In response, Mussolini announced that if government didn’t intervene, the Fascists would!
-The Fascists took control of public transport and the postal system, to ensure that effects of the strike would be minimal.
-Violence was used against strikers who protested.
-Strike was poorly organised + lacked widespread workers’ support. Within days, the strike collapsed, leaving the Left humiliated.
-Mussolini impressed conservatives and middle classes, gaining trust and respect – “the defender of law and order”
