Assess the factors that bought Mussolini to power in 1922

Question 1

Assess the factors that bought Mussolini to power in 1922

Answer 1

Mussolini started out as a socialist and the editor of the socialist magazine ‘Avanti’. However when he supported Italy joining the war he was expelled from the socialist party. He then set up the patriotic newspaper “Il Popolo d’Italia”.

Exam Board Specification: Rise of socialism, 2 Red Years, fascism, weak liberal government, violence, Facta, March on Rome, Victor Emmanuel

Question 2

Political

Answer 2

• The two red years (Bienno Rosso) were 2 years of socialist strikes and violence which caused many people to fear the rise of socialist power.
• The liberal governments failure to do anything to stop the problem made the middle class to think them weak
• The petty bourgeoisie feared socialism placing them bakc into the proletariat so were willing to support radical parties
• Victor Emmanuel refused to declare martial law during the March on Rome as he was scared that Mussolini would win and replace him with his fascist cousin

Question 3

Mussolini’s Leadership

Answer 3

• Il Popolo d’Italia allowed him to unite the fascists and spread the fascist message throughout Italy
• He was a popularist and changed the manifesto to meet the needs of the people
• He was very persuasive and got Giolitti to put him on the electoral pact
• He was able to learn from those whose views he disagreed with (Lenin)

Question 4

Economic

Answer 4

• National debt was at 85 billion lira
• Promised taxes proportionate to income
• Mass Unemployment
• Industrial Recession
• High levels of inflation

Question 5

Appeal, Support and Actions

Answer 5

• Pro-clerical so gained the support of the Catholics and allowed for an alliance with the Popolari
• A main appeal was the breaking up of socialist strikes
• Balbo - played a large role in using terror tactics to intimidate local governments
• Many army officers joined the fascists after Giolitti decreased the miilitary
• Public authorities encouraged fascist violence against the socialists
• 1921 elections - police violence used to get people to vote for the fascist and 100 people died