How did Mussolini gain power in 1922? Flashcards
1
Q
When were plans for the Fascist March on Rome started?
A
- 16th October, Mussolini and six leading fascists met in Milan
- 24th, held a Fascist Congress in Naples
2
Q
How many black shirts were involved in the build up to the March on Rome
A
40,000
3
Q
What were the plans for the march on Rome?
A
- First, squads would seize public buildings in North and centre
- Others to assemble outside Rome 27th
4
Q
How many black shirts actually assembled on 27th and why?
A
- 10,000 of the 50,000
- Train lines were being sabotaged or they were too scared
- Those who did make it turned up poorly armed, drenched and with low morale
5
Q
Who requested martial law and when?
A
- Prime Minister Facta, after the rest of his government had been dismissed
- 27th October 1922
- Requested to King
6
Q
When did the King agree to martial law and what was its impact?
A
- 0200 on the 28th
- 12,000 troops then deployed around key buildings
- Eight hours later, King changed his mind
- Facta resigned
7
Q
When was Mussolini asked to form a government?
A
30th October at 10:42 am
8
Q
When was the real March on Rome?
A
- After Mussolini declared Prime Minister, and Foreign and Interior Minister
- 50,000 Black shirts
9
Q
What impact did the King have on Mussolini’s appointment?
A
- He rejected martial law
- Feared a civil war, and his cousin and mother were Fascists
- He lacked confidence
- Appointed Mussolini as PM
10
Q
How did Mussolini influence the Fascist takeover?
A
- Wavered idea of march
- Use threat of coup to gain power
- Rejected offer of becoming a minister as he would only accept PM
11
Q
How did Facta help the Fascist takeover?
A
- Led a weak government
- Failed to act against Fascist violence
- Asked King for martial law but was rejected
12
Q
How did Salandra help the Fascist takeover?
A
- Unable to persuade Mussolini to join his gov.
- Advised Mussolini’s appointment to stop Giolitti
13
Q
How did Giolitti help the Fascist takeover?
A
- Failed to come to Rome for negotiations over a new government
- Supported Mussolini’s appointment
14
Q
How did the army help the Fascist takeover?
A
- Sympathised with the Fascists
- Six generals involved on March on Rome
