Fascist Economic Policy Flashcards
What were Mussolini’s aims for his economic policy?
-Increasing his control and prestige
-Improving the economy
-Improving workers’ lives.
Evidence that Mussolini’s economic policy was successful in increasing Mussolini’s control and prestige.
-Appointment of De Stefani pleased business groups.
-Industrials pleased by his early traditional economic policy, and supported throughout.
-Corporate state = good propaganda (overcoming class conflict and achieving a middle way between capitalism and communism; acclaimed by economic and social scientists worldwide.
-Real power of the economy was with Mussolini; he headed the Central Corporate Committee.
Evidence that Mussolini’s economic policy was successful in improving the economy.
-Italy in a budget surplus 1924/25.
-Debt fell from 75% to 50% of GDP 1922-25.
-Damaging industrial disputes were avoided 1930s.
-Post-depression, IMI and IRI ensured banks and businesses remained stable (1934).
Evidence that Mussolini’s economic policy was NOT successful in improving the economy.
-Revaluation of the Lira crippled exports.
-Mussolini’s high tariffs prevented the benefits of the revaluation of the lira.
-Corporate state was ineffective and corrupt- mock factories were built to secure subsidies.
-welfare spending post depression- from 7% to 20% of budget put strain on finances.
Evidence that Mussolini’s economic policy was successful in improving the lives of people/workers.
-Corporate state led to the introduction on sick pay and paid national holidays 1938.
-Public work schemes ensured employment post-depression.
-Welfare increased from 7%-20% of budget to ease difficulties of those who’d lost jobs and couldn’t find employment post- depression.
Evidence that Mussolini’s economic policy was NOT successful in improving the lives of people/workers.
-Strike action limited by Vidoni Pact 1925, where socialist TU action was outlawed.
-Unemployment trebled 1926-28
-Corporate state: individuals were represented by fascist officials loyal to Mussolini.
-Workers’ wages cut during the Depression.
Battle for Births terms
-Married men with 6+ children paid no tax.
-Contraception and abortions were banned.
-women with lots of kids received medals.
Battle for Births failure
-Marriage rate stagnated.
-Birth rate fell 1927-36.
Battle for Grain success
-In Northern and Central Italy, wheat production increased by 50% between 1914 and 1938.
-Imports of grain reduced by 75% 1914-38.
-Italy was self sufficient in crops by 1938.
Battle for Grain failure.
-Not self sufficient in fertilisers- led to lower grain yields.
-In the 1930s, families were paying 400 lire extra in food costs.
-Meat and egg production declined (symbolic of a fall in living standards)
-1933, Italy still dependent on imports fir fertiliser.
Autarky evidence of success
-Synthetic substitutes developed eg. lanital rather than wood.
-Spending on autarkic measures doubled 1934-38.
Autarky evidence of failure
-Raw materials like coal, iron, and oil were scarce.
-Expensive
-Certain industries- like the textile industry- weren’t prioritised.
