Economic policies Flashcards
1
Q
Mussolini was not…
A
an economist. He had little interest in, or understanding of, economics.
2
Q
Mussolini’s priorities lay elsewhere. What were his priorities?
A
- Securing himself in power.
- Transforming the population into loyal and proud fascists.
- Transforming Italy into a strong military power (with an empire).
3
Q
What is one test of the success of his economic policies?
A
How far they helped him achieve his wider aims e.g securing himself in power, increasing his control and prestige.
4
Q
What other tests can be used to assess the impact of Mussolini’s policies?
A
Impact of his policies on:
* the Italian economy or;
* the Italian people and their standard of living
* how far they helped Italy cope with the economic pressures created by broader events e.g the Great Depression
5
Q
Early policies: What was Mussolini’s first goal in economic policy?
A
To win over the powerful industrial elite of Italian society.
6
Q
Early policies: Name 3 policies that increased Mussolini’s control.
A
- Mussolini appointed the conservative economies professor Alberto De’Stefani as Minister of Finance, a move that pleased Italy’s business groups.
- Industrialists were happy to support Mussolini. They were reassured by his traditional economic policy.
- De’Stefani focused on reducing government spending to balance the budget and reduce inflation (quite a conservative government).
7
Q
Early policies: Name 8 policies that improved the economy.
A
- Mussolini appointed the conservative economies professor Alberto De’Stefani as Minister of Finance, a move that pleased Italy’s business groups.
- De’Stefani focused on reducing government interference in the economy e.g he privatised the telephone sector and cut protective tariffs.
- Italy’s manufacturing production improved between 1921 and 1924, and there was an upturn in Italian exports.
- De’Stefani focused on reducing government spending to balance the budget and reduce inflation.
- Government debt fell from 74.8% of GDP in 1922 to 50.6% of GDP in 1925.
- By 1924/25, Italy is running a budget surplus.
- Industrialists were happy to support Mussolini. They were reassured by his traditional economic policy.
- Many Italian companies were able to sell their products abroad with ease. Exports, particularly of cars, textiles and agricultural products, doubled between 1922 and 1925.
8
Q
Early policies: Name 2 policies that increased Mussolini’s prestige.
A
- De’Stefani focused on reducing government spending to balance the budget and reduce inflation.
- Mussolini claimed the credit for increasing company profits. However, this was really down to an improving economic climate across Europe.
9
Q
Early policies: Name 2 policies that worsened the lives of workers and the Italian people
A
- Agricultural groups were unhappy about the reduction in tariffs.
- Socialist trade unions and strikes were outlawed under the Vidoni Pact (1925), which recognised fascist syndicates (groups of employers and employees) as the only representative body for Italian workers (said that you couldn’t go on strike, had to be in a fascist group).
10
Q
Early policies:
Who did Mussolini appoint as Minister of Finance to please Italy’s business groups?
A
Alberto De’Stafani - the conservative economics professor.
11
Q
Early policies:
What did De’Stefani focus on doing?
A
- Reducing government interference in the economy e.g he privatised the telephone sector and cut protective tariffs.
- Reducing government spending to balance the budget and reduce inflation.
12
Q
Early policies:
What did De’Stefani do to the telephone sector and protective tariffs?
A
He privatised the telephone sector and cut protective tariffs.
13
Q
Early policies:
What happened to Italy’s manufacturing production between 1921 and 1924?
A
Improved. There was also an upturn in Italian exports.
14
Q
Early policies:
What did government debt fall from?
A
Government debt fell from 74.8% of GDP in 1922 to 50.6% of GDP in 1925.
15
Q
Early policies:
By 1924/25, what was Italy running?
A
A budget surplus.
16
Q
Early policies:
What were agricultural groups unhappy about?
A
The reduction in tariffs.
17
Q
Early policies:
What happened to socialist trade unions and strikes?
A
They were outlawed (made illegal) under the Vidoni Pact (1925), which recognised fascist syndicates as the only representative body for Italian workers.
18
Q
Early policies:
What did the Vidoni Pact do?
A
The pact abolished Catholic, Socialist and all other independent unions and declared Fascist-controlled unions to have a monopoly on labour representation
19
Q
Early policies:
When was the Vidoni Pact?
A
October 1925
20
Q
Early policies:
Were industrialists happy to support Mussolini? If so, why?
A
Yes industrialists were happy support Mussolini because they were reassured by his traditional economic policy.
21
Q
Early policies:
What happened with many Italian companies?
A
They were able to sell their products abroad with ease.
22
Q
Early policies:
What happened to Italian exports between 1922 and 1925?
A
Exports, particularly of cars, textiles and agricultural products, DOUBLED between 1922 and 1925.
23
Q
SLICED
A
Strong
Lira
Imports
Cheaper
Exports
Dearer
24
Q
What does a strong currency mean?
A
Imports are cheaper.
Exports are more expensive.
25
When was the "Battle for Lira" launched?
August 1926
26
What was the "Battle for Lira"?
This was Mussolini's desire to revalue the lira after it had fallen against the British pound since 1922 (which would damage their exports).
27
By 1926, what had the lira sunk to?
It had sunk to 150 lira to the British pound.
28
Revaluation of the lira: Therefore, what happened in December 1927 as a result of the lira falling against the British pound?
The lira was artificially fixed at 19 to the American dollar and 92.46 to the British pound.
So other countries didn't think lira was weak.
29
How did the revaluation of the lira increase Mussolini's prestige?
The revaluation was purely for propaganda purposes, making the Italian economy appear stronger. It also demonstrated the will of Il Duce and his power to uphold Italian economic pride, increasing his prestige.
30
What was the revaluation of the lira purely for?
Propaganda purposes, making the Italian economy appear stronger.
31
How did the revaluation of the lira worsen the economy?
1. It crippled Italian exports, as it meant foreign buyers found Italian products much more expensive and overvalued (nearly twice as expensive).
2. Italian export industries, particularly textiles, went into depression. Unemployment trebled between 1926 and 1928 - people starting to struggle as Mussolini interferes with the economy.
3. The revaluation should have helped the Italian consumer because imports of food and other products should have become cheaper. However, Mussolini prevented this by placing high tariffs on many foreign imports.
32
How did the revaluation of the lira cripple Italian exports?
Meant foreign buyers found Italian products much more expensive and overvalued (nearly twice as expensive).
33
After the revaluation of the lira, what happened to Italian export industries, particularly textiles?
Went into depression.
34
After the revaluation of the lira, what happened to unemployment?
Unemployment trebled between 1926 and 1928. Italian export industries went into depression.
35
The revaluation should have helped the Italian consumer because imports should have become cheaper. Why was this not the case?
Mussolini prevented this by placing high tariffs on many foreign imports.
36
What the revaluation of the lira the first example of?
How the economy was shifting towards a greater focus on policies that would represent Mussolini's power and strength as leader and less on the actual economic needs of the Italian people.
37
What was the Corporate State?
Advocated cooperation between the classes instead of class conflict. Corporatism became one of the main tenets of fascism, and Benito Mussolini's fascist regime in Italy advocated the collective management of the economy by state officials by integrating large interest groups under the state.
One of Mussolini's key policies, intended to solve social/class conflict in the workplace. Under this system, every industry would be part of a fascist-led corporation that would resolve disputes between workers and managements and help to organise production, pay and conditions.
38
What happened in April 1926?
The Rocco Law
39
The Rocco Law
April 1926
40
What was the Rocco Law April 1926?
Allowed the syndicates some rights to represent views/concerns. However, strikes, go-slows and lock-outs were banned.
41
What happened in July 1926?
Ministry of Corporations set up.
42
Ministry of Corporations set up
July 1926
43
Why was the Ministry of Corporations set up?
The corporations were set up to be an alternative mixed union of workers and employers who would discuss and implement national economic planning that met both their interests.
43
Why was the Ministry of Corporations set up?
The corporations were set up to be an alternative mixed union of workers and employers who would discuss and implement national economic planning that met both their interests.
44
What was the aim of the Ministry of Corporations?
For employers and employees to work together more efficiently, harmoniously, and productively for the good of the nation.
45
When was the "Charter of Labour" drawn up?
1927
46
1927
"Charter of Labour" drawn up.
47
What did the "Charter of Labour" do?
Guaranteed workers' rights in employment, social insurance and welfare.
48
But what was bad about the "Charter of Labour"?
It was all really for show, workers weren't guaranteed rights.
49
What happened to trade unions?
They were banned and replaced by fascist syndicates (Vidoni Pact 1925).
50
Quote about the Corporate State from Salvemini
"Looking in a dark room for a black cat which is not there."
51
How did the Corporate State worsen the lives of workers and the Italian people?
1. The Charter was simply a programme of intent and was never followed through.
2. 1934: Another law was passed which implemented corporations representing 22 sectors of industry. In theory, they could fix the price of goods, settle disputes (over hours, wages, and conditions), regulate apprenticeships and advise the government.
3. In reality, the system was simply propaganda. Although the corporations allowed employers and workers to meet under the guidance of the PNF, only one side was represented. While employers chose their own representatives, the workers were not represented by workers at all, but by fascist officials approved by Mussolini, who was Minister of Corporations.
4. The fascist deputies who were meant to represent the workers invariably supported the business and factory owners, as a result of the support they gave to the Italian government. Workers therefore had little to say in labour disputes.
5. However, historians now dismiss claims that the corporate state transformed the economy and industrial relations. Conflict between employer and employee were not solved, only suppressed. Martin Blinkhorn, a British academic writing in 1984, adds that "Corporativism in practice involved the thinly disguised exploitation and oppression of labour".
6. Salvemini described trying to understand what the corporations actually did as "looking in a dark room for a black cat which is not there."
52
The Corporate State: How did Mussolini's economic policies increase his control?
1. In reality, the system was simply propaganda. Although the corporations allowed employers and workers to meet under the guidance of the PNF, only one side was represented. While employers chose their own representatives, the workers were not represented by workers at all, but by fascist officials approved by Mussolini, who was Minister of Corporations.
2. Industrialists were more or less happy with the system as the fascists tended to favour them in disputes.
3. Any plans put forwards by the corporations had to be approved by the Central Corporative Committee headed by Mussolini, who alone could decide what became law. Real power over the economy was thus held over Mussolini, who came to decisions in consultation with large industrial groups.
53
The Corporate State: How did Mussolini's economic policies increase his prestige?
1. In reality, the system was simply propaganda. Although the corporations allowed employers and workers to meet under the guidance of the PNF, only one side was represented. While employers chose their own representatives, the workers were not represented by workers at all, but by fascist officials approved by Mussolini, who was Minister of Corporations.
2. Industrialists were more or less happy with the system as the fascists tended to favour them in disputes.
3. The Corporate State was excellent propaganda, used to prove that Mussolini had overcome the problems of class conflict and had constructed a "third way" between capitalism and communism.
4. The Corporate State was studied by political and economic scientists from across the world, who acclaimed this new and original economic system.
54
The Corporate State: How did Mussolini's economic policies improve the economy?
1. 1934: Another law was passed which implemented corporations representing 22 sectors of industry. In theory , they could fix the price of goods, settle disputes (over hours, wages, and conditions), regulate apprenticeships and advise the government.
2. Damaging industrial disputes were generally avoided. Along with close state control, this limited the effects of the depression.
3. Industrialists were more or less happy with the system as the fascists tended to favour them in disputes.
55
The Corporate State: How did Mussolini's economic policies worsen the economy?
1. The system was inefficient, with a vast, complex and expensive bureaucracy that never achieved its stated aims.
2. There was corruption, such as the building of mock factories to secure subsidies.
3. Salvemini described trying to understand what the corporations actually did as "looking in a dark room for a black cat which is not there."
56
Who was Gaetano Salvemini?
An Italian Socialist and antifascist politician.
57
Another law was passed in 1934, what did it do?
Implemented corporations representing 22 sectors of industry. In theory, they could fix the price of goods, settle disputes (over hours, wages, and conditions), regulate apprenticeships and advise the government.
58
What did the Charter of Labour actually turn out to be?
A programme of intent and was never followed through.
59
In reality, what was the Corporate State system?
Simply propaganda. Although the corporations allowed employers and workers to meet under the guidance of the PNF, only one side was represented. While employers chose their own representatives, the workers were not represented by workers at all, but by fascist officials approved by Mussolini, who was Minister of Corporations.
60
The Corporate State: What happened with the fascist deputies who were supposed to represent the workers?
They invariably supported the business and factor owners, as a result of the support they gave to the Italian government. Workers therefore had little say in labour disputes.
61
The Corporate State: How were the effects of the depression limited? (improved economy)
Damaging industrial disputes were generally avoided. Along with close state control, this limited the effects of the depression.
62
The Corporate State: Why were industrialists more or less happy with the system?
The fascists tended to favour them in disputes.
63
Who was Minister of Corporations?
Mussolini
64
Why do historians now dismiss claims that the corporate state transformed the economy and industrial relations?
Conflict between employer and employee were not solved, only suppressed. Martin Blinkhorn, a British academic writing in 1984, adds that "Corporativism in practice involved the thinly disguised exploitation and oppression of labour".
65
Any plans put forwards by the corporations had to be approved by who?
The Central Corporative Committee headed by Mussolini, who alone could decide what became law. Real power over the economy was thus held over Mussolini, who came to decisions in consultation with large industrial groups.
66
The Corporate State: How was the system inefficient?
* Had a vast, complex and expensive bureaucracy that never achieved its stated aims.
* There was corruption, such as the building of mock factories to secure subsidies.
67
How was the Corporate State excellent propaganda?
Used to prove that Mussolini had overcome the problems of class conflict and had constructed a "third way" between capitalism and communism.
68
Who was the Corporate State studied by, and what was their opinion on it?
The Corporate State was studied by political and economic scientists from across the world, who acclaimed this new and original economic system.
69
Name the one way in which the Corporate State further workers' interests?
Only issues such as sick pay for workers, and the belated introduction of paid national holidays in 1938, did the corporations further workers' interests.
70
Overall, what was the corporate state like?
Corporate state was about propaganda and Mussolini's prestige.
71
Who was appointed treasury minister/Minister of Finance in 1922?
Alberto De'Stefani - a move that pleased Italy's business groups.
72
What was the name of the pact that outlawed Socialist and Catholic trade unions in 1925?
Vidoni Pact 1925
73
What did Mussolini do in 1927 to emphasise the fact that the Italian economy was strong?
Revalue the lira.
74
Which industries did revaluing the lira harm?
Exports - textiles.
75
What did Mussolini aim to create after 1926?
Corporate State.
76
How many corporations were there by 1934?
22
77
Who represented the workers in these corporations?
Fascist officials.
78
Hos successful were Mussolini's economic policies in the early stages of the Great Depression?
They were quite successful in protecting Italy from the full impact of the worldwide economic downturn.
79
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's quite successful economic policies increased his control?
1. Large public works schemes such as road building and house construction were introduced to help keep employment levels stable.
2. Government funding for road building doubled between 1929 and 1933. Improves emplyoyment.
3. The government ensured that major banks that had loaned millions of Lire to to Italian businesses were protected from possible collapse through the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano (IMI). This helped Italian companies survive the depression and industrial development was considerable in comparison to when the fascists had taken power in 1922.
4. Another important policy was the Istituto di Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI). Through this policy the government bought up shares in banking and industry to help prop up the Italian economy and ensure these companies didn’t go bankrupt and collapse. This was largely successful and meant the Italy was in a relatively strong position in 1934.
5. The Italian state owned a larger percentage of industry than any other country in Europe other than the Soviet Union.
80
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's quite successful economic policies increased his prestige?
1. Government funding for road building doubled between 1929 and 1933. (He would get more respect?)
2. The government ensured that major banks that had loaned millions of Lire to to Italian businesses were protected from possible collapse through the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano (IMI). This helped Italian companies survive the depression and industrial development was considerable in comparison to when the fascists had taken power in 1922.
3. Another important policy was the Istituto di Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI). Through this policy the government bought up shares in banking and industry to help prop up the Italian economy and ensure these companies didn’t go bankrupt and collapse. This was largely successful and meant the Italy was in a relatively strong position in 1934.
4. Welfare increased to ease the difficulties of those workers who lost their job and couldn’t find other employment.
81
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's quite successful economic policies improved the economy?
1. Large public works schemes such as road building and house construction were introduced to help keep employment levels stable.
2. Government funding for road building doubled between 1929 and 1933. Improving employment.
3. The government ensured that major banks that had loaned millions of Lire to to Italian businesses were protected from possible collapse through the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano (IMI). This helped Italian companies survive the depression and industrial development was considerable in comparison to when the fascists had taken power in 1922.
4. Another important policy was the Istituto di Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI). Through this policy the government bought up shares in banking and industry to help prop up the Italian economy and ensure these companies didn’t go bankrupt and collapse. This was largely successful and meant the Italy was in a relatively strong position in 1934.
5. The Italian state owned a larger percentage of industry than any other country in Europe other than the Soviet Union.
6. Workers’ wages were cut and companies were merged - but this meant there were fewer closures.
82
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's economic policies worsened the lives of workers and Italian people?
Workers’ wages were cut and companies were merged - but this meant there were fewer closures.
83
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's quite successful economic policies improved the lives of workers and Italian people?
1. Large public works schemes such as road building and house construction were introduced to help keep employment levels stable.
2. Government funding for road building doubled between 1929 and 1933.
3. The government ensured that major banks that had loaned millions of Lire to to Italian businesses were protected from possible collapse through the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano (IMI). This helped Italian companies survive the depression and industrial development was considerable in comparison to when the fascists had taken power in 1922.
4. Another important policy was the Istituto di Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI). Through this policy the government bought up shares in banking and industry to help prop up the Italian economy and ensure these companies didn’t go bankrupt and collapse. This was largely successful and meant the Italy was in a relatively strong position in 1934.
5. Welfare increased to ease the difficulties of those workers who lost their job and couldn’t find other employment.
6. Welfare spending went from 6.9% to 20.6% between 1930 and 1940 but this put a huge strain on the government’s finances.
84
Response to the Great Depression: Which of Mussolini's economic policies worsened the economy and Mussolini's control?
Welfare spending went from 6.9% to 20.6% between 1930 and 1940 (good for people) but put a huge strain on the government’s finances.
85
Response to the Great Depression: What was introduced to help keep employment levels stable?
Large public works schemes such as road building and house construction.
86
Response to the Great Depression: What happened to government funding for road building between 1929 and 1933?
It doubled.
87
Response to the Great Depression: What was the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano (IMI)?
A public institution/policy in which the government ensured major banks that had loaned millions of Lire to to Italian businesses were protected from possible collapse. This helped Italian companies survive the depression and industrial development was considerable in comparison to when the fascists had taken power in 1922.
88
Response to the Great Depression: What was the Istituto di Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI)?
Through this policy the government bought up shares in banking and industry to help prop up the Italian economy and ensure these companies didn’t go bankrupt and collapse. This was largely successful and meant the Italy was in a relatively strong position in 1934.
89
Response to the Great Depression: What happened to welfare and why?
Welfare increased to ease the difficulties of those workers who lost their job and couldn’t find other employment.
90
Response to the Great Depression: Percentage of industry the Italian state owned?
The Italian state owned a larger percentage of industry than any other country in Europe other than the Soviet Union.
91
Response to the Great Depression: What did welfare spending increase by, between 1930 and 1940? What did this do to government finances?
Welfare spending went from 6.9% to 20.6% between 1930 and 1940 putting a huge strain on the government’s finances.
92
Response to the Great Depression: What happened to workers' wages and companies so that there were fewer closures?
Workers’ wages were cut and companies were merged.
93
What was autarky?
The quest for self-sufficiency.
94
What was autarky for Italy driven by?
* Decline in overseas trade.
* Sanctions placed on Italy in 1936 in response to aggression in Africa.
* Preparation for war in the late 1930s.
95
Evidence that autarky was a success
1. Agricultural products such as cereals and wool were stock piled to boost reserves meaning supply and prices were stable.
2. Government spending on Autarkic measures doubled from 30 billion Lire in 1934 to 60 billion by 1938.
3. Developed synthetic substitutes like lanital instead of wool.
4. Firms had to find new energy sources that did not mean importing oil or gas - could be a success as meant they did not rely on imports.
5. Quotas on foreign imports were introduced which favoured domestic goods. (Quotas are a government-imposed trade restriction that limits the number or monetary value of goods).
96
Evidence that autarky was a failure
1. Government spending on Autarkic measures doubled from 30 billion Lire in 1934 to 60 billion by 1938. (Could be seen as a failure as the government spent too much?)
2. Firms had to find new energy sources that did not mean importing oil or gas (businesses struggling?)
3. Raw materials like coal and oil and iron were very scarce. In the late 1930s Italy produced 1.8 million tonnes of iron ore annually: less than a tenth of the production of Germany at this time.
4. Industries like textiles suffered as they were not prioritised.
5. As a result of autarky, goods were being produced abroad that were much cheaper, but autarky meant this just added to the national deficit.
97
Autarky: What kind of agricultural products were stock piled? Why?
Cereals and wool were stock piled to boost reserves meaning supply and prices were stable.
98
Autarky: What did government spending on autarkic measures double from between 1934 and 1938?
30 billion Lire in 1934 to 60 billion Lire in 1938
99
Autarky: What kind of synthetic substitutes did the government develop?
Lanital instead of wool.
100
Autarky: What did firms have to do?
Find new energy sources that did not mean importing oil or gas.
101
Autarky: What kind of raw materials were very scarce in Italy?
Coal, oil and iron.
were very scarce. In the late 1930s Italy produced 1.8 million tonnes of iron ore annually: less than a tenth of the production of Germany at this time
102
Autarky: What kind of raw materials were very scarce in Italy?
Coal, oil and iron.
103
Autarky: In the late 1930, how many tonnes of iron ore did Italy produce annually?
In the late 1930s Italy produced 1.8 million tonnes of iron ore annually: less than a tenth of the production of Germany at this time.
104
Autarky: What were introduced which favoured domestic goods?
Quotas on foreign imports were introduced which favoured domestic goods.
105
Autarky: What industries suffered because they were not prioritised?
Industries like textiles.
106
Autarky: What added to the national deficit?
As a result of autarky, goods were being produced abroad that were much cheaper, but autarky meant this just added to the national deficit.
107
When was the battle for births announced?
May 1927
108
May 1927
* Battle for births announced
* Ruralisation
109
What was the battle for births?
A fascist Pronatalist campaign promoting fecunditá, especially within the working class, by increasing welfare benefits, legislating tax breaks, making available better health care, and awarding highly public medals and recognition to those women who produced more than the state's target of five children per family. The regime associated motherhood, children, family, and virility with maintaining national greatness.
110
What was the aim of the battle for births?
Increasing the Italian population from 40 million to 60 million by the 1950s.
111
The battle for births: Why did Mussolini want a larger population?
* A larger population would make Italy stronger economically and militarily.
* Mussolini hoped improve relations with the Catholic Church as the family was seen to be at the heart of Catholic values.
112
A variety of laws were brought in to encourage a larger population. What were they?
* Married men with six or more children paid no tax.
* Contraception and abortions were banned.
* Medals for women with large numbers of children.
* Employment made more available to married men with children.
* Loans to married couples (not paid back if they had six children).
113
However, overall, what was the battle of births?
A failure.
114
In spite of all the mass propaganda, mobilisation, and state incentives to increase the birthrate, the battle for births had failed by 1938. How did it become a failure?
* Marriage rates stagnated and the birth rate declined from 1927-1936.
* In the late 1930s the birth rate of 102 births per 1000 was lower than the 1911 birth rate of 147 per 1000.
115
What were the birth rates per 1000 in the late 1930s compared to 1911?
In the late 1930s the birth rate of 𝟭𝟬𝟮 births per 1000 was lower than the 1911 birth rate of 𝟭𝟰𝟳 per 1000.
116
What was the Battle for Grain linked to?
Autarky.
117
What was the aim of the Battle for Grain?
To make Italy self-sufficient in grain.
118
How did the fascists make a considerable effort on making Italy self-sufficient in grain?
* Educating growers on new farming techniques.
* Providing fertilisers.
119
In northern and central Italy, what did wheat production increase by?
In northern and central Italy wheat production increased by 50% 1914-38.
120
In northern and central Italy, how much had imports of grain been reduced by?
Imports of grain were reduced by 75% 1914-38.
121
The Battle for Grain: What did Mussolini ensure with press photographers?
Ensured they were on hand to record him visiting farms and helping with the harvests.
122
However, what happened in the south?
Many in the south stopped growing olives and fruit, and cattle farming was greatly reduced which damaged these industries and exports.
123
Although Italy became self-sufficient in crops, what was it not sufficient in?
Although Italy became self-sufficient in crops, it was not self-sufficient in fertilisers which led to lower grain yields.
124
Italy was not self-sufficient in fertilisers, what did this lead to?
Lower grain yields
125
Evidence the Battle for Grain was not successful for Italy
1. By the late 1930s, families were paying around 400 Lire extra in food costs (in comparison to the late 1920s) and living standards had declined.
2. Meat and egg production declined.
3. By 1933 Italy was still dependent on imports.
126
By 1930s, what were families paying in extra?
By the late 1930s, families were paying around 400 Lire extra in food costs (in comparison to the late 1920s) and living standards had declined.
127
The Battle for Grain: Because of the focus on grain, what declined?
Meat and egg production declined.
128
What shows the Battle for Grain was a failure?
By 1933, Italy was still dependent on imports.
129
When was ruralisation announced?
May 1927
130
What was ruralisation?
The idea that Italy had to retain its rural/peasant population to maintain its traditions and increase the birth rate.
131
How was the ruralisation policy carried out?
* Peasants were encouraged to stay in rural areas.
* Land was reclaimed to be used as farmland.
132
However, was ruralisation a success or failure?
This policy was not successful overall - in the South only around 5% of the 475 million hectares of land that was reclaimed was actual improved and used by farmers.
133
Statistic to show that the ruralisation policy was not successful overall.
In the South only around 5% of the 475 million hectares of land that was reclaimed was actual improved and used by farmers.
134
Although ruralisation was not successful, what was a positive outcome?
The drained marshes did reduce malaria by 50%.
135
Statistic to show Mussolini's economic policies were not entirely successful (GDP).
Between 1922 and 1938 Gross Domestic Product (the monetary value of all goods and services produced) grew by an average 1.9%. 1903-1911 it grew by an average 2.8%.
136
Overall, what were the successes of Mussolini's economic policies?
Ultimately, Mussolini increases his control, propaganda and prestige. Early policies were successful, as well as his response to the depression.
137
Successes of economic policies
* Won over conservative elite and enhanced his power early on.
* Protected banks and employment during the depression more successfully that USA and Germany.
* Industrial development was huge by 1939 compared to 1922.
* Achieved his aims of enhancing his prestige through his corporate state and battle for grain.
138
Failures of economic policies
* Revaluation of the lira crippled exports.
* Corporate state did not really help workers or transform the economy.
More but didn't get to write down
