Fascist Italy Flashcards
What were the causes of the rise of fascism in Italy?
- Resentment at Treaty of Versailles
- Economic depression
- Social unrest
- Weakness of parliamentary democracy
- Fear of communism after Russian Revolution
- Use of propoganda and intimidation
What are the main characteristics of fascism?
- Absolute power of the state (totalitarianism)
- Rule by a dictator
- Corporatism
- Extreme nationalism
- Superiority of the nation’s people (racism)
- Militarism and imperialism
- Anti-communism
What was the Treaty of London?
The secret treaty between France, Britain, Russia (Allies) and Italy (neutral). Signed on April 26, 1915, it stated the terms under which Italy would join WW1.
What territories did Italy recieve in the Treaty of Saint-German-en-Laye?
South Tyrol, Istria and Trieste only. Italy didn’t recieve all of the territory it was promised.
What happened in relation to Fiume that showed the widespread anger among the Italian population?
In September 1919, a group of Italian unltra-nationalist ex-soldiers led by the poet and irredentist Gabriele D’Annunzio seized control of the city of Fiume, which had been handed over to Yugoslavia after the war. They eventually surrendered in December 1920.
What is inflation?
Inflation refers to the general increase in prices while, at the same time, the purchasing power of a currency is failing.
What was the Italian economy like after WW1?
- There was a drop in international trade.
- Went through a period of agricultural and industrial decline .
- Wages remained low and many demobilised soldiers struggled to find employment.
- Inflation had almost tripled during WW1, and had wiped out much of the value of middle-class savings.
- By the end of 1919, two million people were unemoloyed.
- Italy struck by a wave of strikes in the years following the war
Who was the PSI?
The Italian Socialist Party.
What party was formed as a result of the PSI split?
Italian Communist Party (PCI)
