Fascist Antisemitism Flashcards
(37 cards)
When did the popularity of Mussolini and the Cult of Il Duce reach its peak?
1936
What caused the decline of the fascist dictatorship in Italy after 1936?
- Economic issues,
- the public’s growing concerns about the German/Italian relationship,
- & Mussolini’s inability to fulfill promises.
How did Mussolini’s policies toward the Jewish population of Italy change over time?
- increased the radicalization of the Jewish population despite them being less than 1% of the population
How did Mussolini’s approach to antisemitism compare to Hitler’s?
- While Nazism was growing and increasing repression of the German Jewish population,
- Mussolini wasn’t as dedicated to it as Hitler and did not completely follow in Hitler’s footsteps
Is there evidence suggesting the increase in Italian antisemitism in 1938 was due to pressure from Hitler?
- There is no evidence to suggest this,
- but the European increase in persecution of Jewish people might have been influential to Mussolini
- But it might just have been general movement towards radicalising the Italian population a more militaristic society
What is notable about Italy’s history of antisemitism compared to other European countries?
- Italy has a minimal history of antisemitism in comparison to other European countries, despite being the first country to put Jews in Ghettos in 1955
What was the public opinion in Italy towards antisemitism in the 1900s?
- Many Italians ridiculed Mussolini’s anti-Semitic laws as ridiculous and pointless.
What was Mussolini’s relationship with the conservative elite regarding his anti-Semitic policies?
- Mussolini lost a lot of support from the conservative elite, including the church, businesses, and judiciary system
What did Mussolini claim about antisemitism in Italy in an interview?
- Mussolini claimed, “antisemitism does not exist in Italy.”
Did Mussolini have any personal connections to the Jewish community?
- Yes, he had a Jewish mistress (Margherita Sarfatti)
- & was seen supporting Jewish and Zionist movements in Italy
Were there Jewish members in the PNF and did Mussolini appoint Jewish people to important roles
- There were around 3000 Jewish PNF members, and Mussolini appointed Jewish people to important roles, like Finance Minister in 1932.
How did Mussolini’s writings reflect his views on antisemitism?
- Mussolini had been writing antisemitism articles since 1919 and believed in the idea of an ‘Aryan race.’
What significant publication did Mussolini release in 1938 related to his racial views?
- Mussolini published a Manifesto of Racial Scientists in 1938
What is the reasoning behind Mussolini’s antisemitic policies?
- The reasoning behind Mussolini’s antisemitic policies is complex,
- with influences from European antisemitism
- & Mussolini’s own evolving views
What restriction was placed on foreign-born Jews in Italy in August 1938?
- They were banned from state schools
What changes occurred in Italian schools for Jews in September 1938?
- All Jews were banned from state schools and from teaching in state schools;
- separate schools were established for Jewish students
What happened to Jewish lecturers in universities in September 1938?
- Jewish lecturers were removed from their positions in universities.
What exclusion took place in October 1938 regarding Jewish membership?
- Jews were excluded from membership of the PNF (National Fascist Party) and other fascist organisations.
What economic restrictions were placed on Jews in Italy in October 1938?
- Jews were forbidden from owning large companies or landed estates (more than 50 hectares of land), and their businesses couldn’t have more than 100 employees.
What employment restriction was placed on Jews in October 1938?
- Jews could not employ ‘pure Italians’ as servants.
What marital restriction was imposed on Jews in Italy in November 1938?
Jews were not allowed to marry non-Jews.
What military and professional exclusions affected Jews in November 1938?
Jews were excluded from the military and banking.
What happened to foreign Jews in Italy in November 1938?
- Foreign Jews were expelled from the country.
How did Mussolini try to legitamise his manifesto of radical scientists
- Mussolini attempted to give the manifesto a scientific basis
- by having 42 leading pro-fascists doctors, anthropologists and biologists
- sign the document in support of racial theory on the grounds of supposes biological and medical ‘evidence’
