Italy 1922-26 JANUARY MOCK 2023 Flashcards
Describe Mussolini’s early life
- Born 29th July 1883 to the predominantly left-wing town of Predappio
- His father was a prominent socialist
- A bully at school
- In 1902, Mussolini emigrated to Switzerland, partly to avoid military service
What did Mussolini do in Switzerland?
Became active in the Italian Socialist movement in Switzerland, working for the paper L’Avvenire del Lavoratore, organising meetings, giving speeches to workers and serving as secretary of the Italian workers’ union in Lausanne.
What happened in 1903?
Mussolini was arrested by the Bernese police because of his advocacy of a violent general strike, spent two weeks in jail, and was deported to Italy.
What did he become in 1910?
The editor of a small socialist newspaper “The Class Struggle” in the town of Forli in his own province.
What would Mussolini’s attitude towards Giolitti be?
Thinks Giolitti as weak and inconsistent. Think he’s not working hard enough with socialists and wants an overthrow of Liberal State and abolition of private property.
What would Mussolini’s attitude towards Trasformismo be?
Wouldn’t like working with the nationalists. Would want a strong government not weak coalitions. Would not like Giolitti working with moderate socialists.
What would Mussolini’s attitude towards the Libyan War be?
Waste of money/resources
What would Mussolini’s attitude towards the extension of the franchise be?
Grateful. Supportive of w/c men gaining the vote.
What was Italy scared of after the First World War?
- Socialists
- The left
- PSI
- Radicals
- Communists
Why was Mussolini jailed in 1911?
For attempting to stir up an insurrection against the war in Libya. He was then released from prison and rose through the PSI, being appointed editor of Avanti, a socialist newspaper.
At the start of the war, what view did he share with the Socialists?
Was in agreement with the Socialists view of neutrality at the start of the war.
How did his views on World War One begin to change?
He saw the war as a way to achieve his political goals and so wrote an article in favour of entering the war.
What would the socialists think of Mussolini during the time of Libyan War/World War One?
Too radical/maximalist/too violent/going against his own party for supporting the war
What would Mussolini’s goals have been during the time of Libyan War/World War One?
To gain more power. Nationalism/violent social revolution/interventionist. A war would make Italy strong again/abolish class struggle and shake up society.
What happened with Mussolini and socialist party?
He was expelled from the Socialist party - then sets up his own paper in 1914.
What happened to Mussolini 1915?
Conscripted into the army and experiences trench warfare.
What happened to Mussolini in 1917?
Released from the army on medical grounds and continued to be critical of the government’s handling of war. Claimed there must be a strong leader to direct the war effectively.
How did political tensions after WW1 help Mussolini calm or solve post-war problems?
Convinced him Italy needed a regime to end struggle between social classes and have a dynamic leader. A strong nationalist party was the solution.
How did economic tensions after WW1 help Mussolini calm or solve post-war problems?
End power of big businesses/help workers and returning soldiers.
How did social tensions after WW1 help Mussolini calm or solve post-war problems?
He said that his paper II Popolo d’Italia was a newspaper of combatants and producers (farmers/factory workers) and businessmen were parasites. He wanted social reform and producers to take over.
Mussolini became a right-wing dictator. Why does this seem unlikely in 1918?
He appeared more left-wing at this point.
What’s significant about the year 1922?
The year Mussolini becomes PM.
From spring 1922, what happened?
Fascist violence exploded. Blackshirts attacks areas across Italy where the Socialists controlled the local council. Town after town in northern Italy fell to the fascists.
How was Mussolini helped by Liberals in early 1922?
Helped by the inadequate response of the Liberal government. Ivanoe Bonomi’s government collapsed in February and was replaced by Luigi Facta, a weak and complacent prime minister.
How was Fascists violence surging in early 1922?
As ras Italo Balbo leading squads along the east coast of Italy, destroying all houses and offices where the socialists and communists held meetings.
What happened in July 1922?
The PSI and PCI attempted to encourage further pressure on the political system by backing the call for a 24 hour general strike across the Italy.
What was the response to the call for a 24 hour general strike across Italy?
Tired of strike action, most workers didn’t support the move and the calls for a general strike faded away without really taking place.
How did Mussolini use this failed strike to his advantage?
Mussolini claimed that the reason for the strike’s failure was due to the actions of the fascists, and the myth that the PNF had spared Italy from revolution became more widely believed. Indeed where workers did go on strike, fascist volunteers kept public services running and claimed they were saving the nation from the communist threat.
1922 - what did the government do to stop the continuing fascist violence taking place across the country?
Nothing
With the socialists in a weakened position, what did the squads do?
Launched new attacks in Genoa, Milan, Ancona and Bari, murdering socialist leaders and supporters, burning offices and forcing left-wing councils to resign.
Between May and October of 1922, what did the fascists become?
The de facto government in many of Italy’s provinces (not actually in power but in power)
What did the violence do to Facta?
Weakened Facta, who was unable or unwilling to stop it, as well as strengthening the fascists.
By 1922, what had the PNF grown to?
Around 320,000 members, and nearly half a million workers had joined fascist trade unions. WORKERS MOVING FROM SOCIALISM TO FASCISM.
By September 1922, what had the squads done?
Taken over areas around Rome and were ready to move on the capital. The seizure of power seemed only to be a matter of time.
What was Mussolini doing through September and October 1922?
Mussolini continued to favour his dual policy:
* He promised that if the fascists were accepted within a government coalition, he would pursue a moderate conservative policy, backing the monarchy, reducing taxes and balancing the budget.
* At the same time, he encouraged squads to attack Bolzano and Trent. This was crucial as these towns were held by conservative liberals, not socialist councils; Mussolini was now increasing the pressure by challenging the government itself.
Through September and October 1922, how were the Liberals undecided in how to respond?
WEAKNESS OF THE LIBERAL STATE
- Orlando and Nitti said they would work with Mussolini, and called for a coalition that included fascism, but only if the fascists supported them as prime minister.
- Key liberal figures, including Giolitti, were more concerned with stopping their rivals becoming prime minister than they were at avoiding a fascist revolution.
Example of Giolitti being salty
Refused to travel to the Rome to help Facta’s government unless he was offered the prime ministership by the King
How did Mussolini encourage the Liberal division between Orlando/Nitti/Giolitti etc.?
Separately promising Nitti, Salandra, Facta and Giolitti that they would be prime minister in a fascist coalition government.
How was the Liberal government SO weak?
So weak that even socialism could’ve taken hold. But there was a fear in socialism and Mussolini wanted it more.
Why was Mussolini in a difficult position in October 1922?
The ras were pushing for a march on Rome and the violent takeover of government.
But Mussolini still saw an opportunity to be appointed prime minister constitutionally, which he felt would give him a stronger position, not only as leader of Italy, but also over his own party.
He was also concerned about the military. He was unsure what their response would be, and he knew the squads would not be able to stand up to a response from the army if the King ordered it to crush an armed uprising.
16th Ocotober 1922
Mussolini met with fascist leaders who agreed to plan a takeover of Italian government. Plans were drawn up to seize the major towns and cities of northern and central Italy, with 30,000 fascists converging on Rome and installing themselves in power.
Mussolini saw this as the ultimate piece of political blackmail, convinced that under this pressure, politicians would agree that he should become prime minister.
24th October 1922
Mussolini made a public speech to squadristi in Naples, asserting “either we are allowed to govern or we will seize power by marching on Rome.”
What was Mussolini doing at the same time fascists squads were moving on Rome?
Continuing to hold talks with liberal politicians about forming a collation government.
The night of 27th October 1922
Squadristi took control of government offices, telephone exchanges, railway stations and police stations. This started in Milan (heartland of fascism) and spread. prime minister Facta finally took action, asking King Victor Emmanuel III to use the army to crush this fascist insurrection.
2am on 28th October
The King agreed on declaring a state of emergency and using the army to enforce martial law and stop the fascists. The army began to assume control in Milan and Mussolini’s arrest was ordered.
What did the King then do at 9am on 28th October?
Changed his mind, refusing to sign the decree and declare a state of emergency.
Why did the King change his mind?
- Lacked confidence in Facta and was encouraged not to sign by Salandra and his supporters, who believed Facta’s resignation might allow Salandra to become prime ministser in a fascist coalition.
- Also the possibility that he feared the military might not obey his orders and side with the fascists.
- May also have been deterred by the idea of bloodshed across Italy as the military fought the fascists.
- Crucially, the King’s cousin, the Duke of Aosta, was a fascist supporter and Mussolini cleverly hinted that if the fascists took over, Victor Emmanuel III could be replaced by his cousin.
Why was the King’s change of mind a critical move?
Demonstrated his lack of confidence in the Liberal government and would ensure fascist success. Without the King’s support, Facta resigned and the King turned towards Salandra. He then asked Mussolini to be part of his new government.
After the King changed his mind, what did Mussolini feel like he do?
Felt he was in a powerful enough position to demand he be made prime minister. Without Mussolini’s support, Salandra was unable to form a government.
Example of the Liberals’ greed after 28th October 1922?
Salandra, Orlando and Giolitti all believed they should be made prime minister, but their hatred for each other meant that they recommended to the King that he was better to appoint Mussolini as opposed to one of their rivals.
October 1922 - What did Mussolini do to demonstrate his calmness in this time of great political uncertainty?
During this period, Mussolini unhooked his phone and made a show of visiting the theatre an act of political showmanship demonstrating his calmness.
When was Mussolini offered prime minister by the King?
29th October 1922. He was 39 years old.
Who was trigger in Mussolini’s appointment as prime minister?
Underlying factors but King was the trigger.
What did Liberals think about Mussolini during his rise to prime minister?
Liberals thought he was more threatening that he actually was.
What do people portray Mussolini’s rise to prime minister as? What actually was it?
People portray it as coup d’état - a sudden, violent and unlawful seizure of power.
It was actually a coup de théâtre - a propaganda coup. A triumph of perceived threat.
In what way was Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister due to political skill?
- Blackmailed government. Drew up plans to seize the major towns and cities of northern and central Italy, with 30,000 fascists converging on Rome and installing themselves in power. Mussolini was convinced that under this pressure, politicians would agree that he should become PM.
- Skills as an orator (e.g 24th October) gave a stronger show of power than the fascists actually had (Mussolini knew the squads wouldn’t be able to stand up to a response from the army if the King had ordered it).
- Mussolini continued to hold talks with Liberal politicians about forming a coalition government. Portrayed him as someone they could work with.
- Mussolini refused anything other than being PM himself - correctly realised Liberals had to included him in any government.
- Mussolini unhooked his phone and made a show of visiting the theatre in an act of political showmanship and calmness.
Did the King actually support Mussolini?
The King was not necessarily supportive of Mussolini - he was much more indecisive and worried about his power.
Mussolini would not have come to power had the king signed the decree. Why?
Mussolini wanted 30,000 fascists to march on Rome, but many didn’t make it. Squads were poorly armed, not many turned up. Bad weather.
If the King had done what Facta told him, the Fascists would have been crushed.
Summarise how Mussolini gains support in 1922.
- Liberal government was collapsing as fascist violence surged. The government did nothing to stop this and this weakened Facta.
- The PSI and PCI called for a general strike which failed - Mussolini took the credit for its failure. Also continued to follow his dual policy.
- By 1922, the PNF had grown to 320,000 members and were ready to move on to Rome.
- Mussolini encouraged division amongst liberal politicians like Giolitti and Facta.
Summarise how Mussolini gains support from 1919-1922.
➡ Liberal government had failed to solve the problems of WW1 in 1919
➡ Fear of socialist revolution and anger at Liberals doing little to prevent this
➡ Mussolini was able to plot conservative fears of socialism and create the myth that fascists were saving Italy from socialists
➡ Liberals allowed Mussolini a foothold in parliament in the May 1921 election which led to his dual policy and the forming of the PNF
➡ After the failure of the general strike, the PNF exploited liberal weakness and increased violence across Italy. The PNF was ready to match on Rome.
What had the experiences in the trenches allowed Mussolini to see?
The power of war to bring Italians together, with the camaraderie felt by those fighting together producing a mutual feeling of belonging that Mussolini had not seen elsewhere.
Mussolini described this as trincerocrazia, the rule of the trenches where men were linked by the idea of fighting for Italy and each other. Wanted to reproduce the patriotic feeling of togetherness they had experienced in the war.
Who as PM in October 1922 before Mussolini?
Facta
What did the PM ask the King to do on 27th October 1922?
To send the army against the Fascists.
What was significant about May 1920?
At the second fascist national congress, a “New Programme” was adopted. This was much more conservative and right-wing, dropping any mentions of removing the monarchy and attacking the power of the Pope. There were a number of pro-business references and calls for compulsory military service.
This “New Programme” was considerably more successful and popular with the Italian population.
Why was Mussolini appointed PM in October 1922?
ACTIONS OF MUSSOLINI
Actions of Mussolini
* Dual policy/New Programme
* Myth of saving Italy from socialists
* Squads attacking towns controlled by conservatives in October 1921 - challenging government
* Coup de théâtre/turning phone off - political blackmail
* Ability to manipulate the King and exploit the weaknesses of Liberals . Promises leaders they can be PM.
Why was Mussolini appointed PM in October 1922?
FEAR OF SOCIALISM
Merge this para with actions of Mussolini
* Mussolini exploited fear of socialism
* By July 1922 he had convinced many that fascism was saving Italy from socialism (failure of general strike)
* Socialist leaders murdered - government does nothing to stop this
Why was Mussolini appointed PM in October 1922?
WEAKNESS OF LIBERAL STATE
- More worried about each other, not socialists
- Already weakened by coalition governments/1919 election
- Giolitti allowing Mussolini on electoral role May 1921
- Nitti and Giolitti refuse to help Facta during March on Rome - all more concerned with their own political power
- Facta seen as weak by the King
- Salandra encouraged Kind not to sign martial law
- Liberals all preferred Mussolini to be king rather than their opponents
Why was Mussolini appointed PM in October 1922?
ROLE OF THE KING
- Plays a crucial role in Mussolini’s appointment
- Refused to sign martial law - worried about Duke of Aosta/Facta/army/bloodshed and influenced by Salandra
- This was the critical decision that ultimately allows Mussolini to be appointed.
What did trincerocrazia mean?
Feeling of togetherness. Mussolini wanted to extend this.
Who were the arditi?
Italian Special Forces/crack troop commanders
What percentage of seats did the PSI (socialists) get in the November 1919 election?
32%, giving them 156 deputies.
The fascists had done badly, suggesting the methods they were using weren’t that popular. Mussolini was humiliated as socialists paraded a coffin symbolising his political career through the streets of Milan.
The production of wheat had been 52 million quintals before the war. What was it after the war?
38 million quintals
Identity two features of Mussolini’s New Programme in May 1920.
- Drop anti-monarchist and anti-church stance
- Pro-business /compulsory military stance
Which prime minister resigned in June 1920? Who was he replaced with?
Nitti, replaced with Giolitti who relied on support from the Catholics.
What were the names of the strikes that ended in September 1920?
Biennio Rosso strikes
How many provinces did socialists control by November 1920? Name two of them.
26 out Italy’s 69 provinces.
Emilia and Tuscany.
How was Mussolini able to gain a foothold in parliament in May 1921? How many seats did the fascists gain?
Giolitti offered him to go on the liberal electoral roll. Gained 35 seats.
Why did Mussolini sign the Pact of Pacification?
- To gain socialist suport
- To show he was a peacemaker/willing to work with PSI
- Hoped the Liberals and Catholics within parliament would come to a deal to stop him working with the socialists
What did the PSI and PCI try to call for in July 1922?
24 hour general strike across Italy to encourage further pressure on the political system
What was Mussolini able to claim in relation to the failed general strike in 1922?
- Claimed the strike failed due to the actions of the fascists and that it was the PNF that had spared Italy from revolution.
- Fascists were the only group that could save Italy from socialism and communism.
What was PM in October 1922?
Luigi Facta
What did the PM ask the King to do on 27th October 1922?
Use the army to crush the fascist insurrection.
Why did the King change his mind to declare a state of emergency and sign martial law?
- Lacked confidence in Facta
- Encouraged not to sign by Salandra and his supporters, who believed that Facta’s resignation might allow Salandra to become PM in a fascist coalition
- Feared military might not obey his orders and side with the fascists
- Deterred by the idea of bloodshed across Italy as the military fought the fascists
- The King’s cousin, the Duke of Aosta, was a fascist supporter and feared he could be replaced.
Why did the King change his mind to declare a state of emergency and sign martial law?
- Lacked confidence in Facta
- Encouraged not to sign by Salandra and his supporters, who believed that Facta’s resignation might allow Salandra to become PM in a fascist coalition
- Feared military might not obey his orders and side with the fascists
- Deterred by the idea of bloodshed across Italy as the military fought the fascists
- The King’s cousin, the Duke of Aosta, was a fascist supporter and feared he could be replaced.
When was Mussolini sworn in as Prime Minister?
30th October 1922
Why did Mussolini’s power have limitations at the time he became Prime Minister? (1922)
- The King - so Mussolini didn’t have full power
- Possibly the army. Needs the army himself
- Ras is gaining a bad reputation
- Squads demanding further revolution. Needs to reign them in.
- Squads demanding greater rewards for their part in helping Mussolini.
- Needs to work with Conservative elite
- Cabinet included 4 Liberals, 2 members of the PPI, 1 ANI member, 2 members of the military and 4 fascists
- PSI still dominate with 123 seats
- Didn’t have a lot of seats. Only 35 out of 535. 35 fascist deputies in parliament. No majority.
When Mussolini became prime minister in 1922, who made up his cabinet?
4 Liberals, 2 members of the PPI, 1 ANI member, 2 members of the military and 4 fascists
When Mussolini became prime minister in 1922, how many fascist deputies were there in parliament?
Only 35 - no majority
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Mistakes made by political opponents
- Parliament subsequently approved year-long emergency powers by 306 votes to 116 against. This meant Mussolini could not be removed by parliament and had full power to govern and raise taxes without seeking parliament approval for at least a year.
- Mussolini’s pro-Catholic policies also encouraged the Vatican to support the PNF at the expense of the PPI. Without the crucial endorsement and leadership of Luigi Sturzo, the once powerful PPI began to decline.
Parliament approved year-long emergency powers after Mussolini became prime-minister in 1922. How many votes for and against?
306 votes to 116 against
After he became PM in 1922, what did Mussolini do to gain Vatican/Catholic PPI to support the PNF?
- Pro-Catholic policies encouraged the Vatican to support the PNF at the expense of the PPI. Without the crucial endorsement and leadership of Luigi Sturzo, the once powerful PPI began to decline.
- Increased clerical pay and reinstated crucifixes in schools.
- Appointed PPI member, Stefano Cavazzoni, as the minister of finance and welfare, and subsequently Cavazzoni encouraged the party to accept collaboration with Mussolini. By July 1923, the leader of the PPI Luigi Sturzo had resigned over his concern that the party was being too absorbed into the PNF.
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Threats and use of violence
- Maiden speech to parliament - told the deputies present that, given the political and economic turnout, he required a year of emergency powers in order to carry out the reform that Italy required. However, Mussolini warned parliament that he had 300,000 young men ready to take violent action against deputies who wouldn’t support him. This intimidated politicians who were antifascist.
- Most of parliament then felt it was necessary to give Italy a year of calm. Fear of civil war.
When was Mussolini’s maiden speech to parliament?
16th November 1922
What did Mussolini say in his maiden speech in November 1922?
Told the deputies present that, given the political and economic turnout, he required a year of emergency powers in order to carry out the reform that Italy required (approved year-long emergency powers 306 to 116). However, Mussolini warned parliament that he had 300,000 young men ready to take violent action against deputies who wouldn’t support him. This intimidated politicians who were antifascist.
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Mussolini’s ability to control parliament
- Made himself foreign minister and minister for the interior
- His main goal was to placate the old ruling classes. He appointed the Orthodox economist Alberto de’ Stefani, minister of finance, to help gain support of the Conservative industrialists who were reassured that the appointment of Mussolini was not going to lead to radical change.
- Gained the trust of the powerful Catholic Church by increasing clerical pay and reinstating crucifixes in schools.
- February 1923 - the ANI officially absorbed into the fascist party. IMPORTANT MOVE - taking away a powerful rival and clearly designating the PNF as the only party representing Italian nationalism.
- Appointed PPI member, Stefano Cavazzoni, as the minster of work and welfare, and subsequently Cavazzoni encouraged the party to accept collaboration with Mussolini. By July 1923, the leader of the PPI Luigi Sturzo had resigned over his concern that the party was being too absorbed into the PNF.
After he became PM in 1922, what minister did Mussolini make himself?
- Foreign minister
- Minister for the interior
After he became PM in 1922, how did Mussolini placate the old ruling classes?
Appointed the Orthodox economist Alberto de’ Stefani, minister of finance, to help gain support of the Conservative industrialists who were reassured that the appointment of Mussolini was not going to lead to radical change.
When did the ANI officially absorb itself into the fascist party?
February 1923
February 1923 - ANI officially absorb itself into the fascist party. Why was this an important move and how did it help Mussolini consolidate his power?
Removed a powerful rival, clearly designating the PNF as the only party representing Italian nationalism.
Which PPI member did Mussolini appoint as minister of work and welfare?
Stefano Cavazzoni, and subsequently Cavazzoni encouraged the party to accept collaboration with Mussolini.
By July 1923, what had Luigi Sturzo, leader of the PPI, done?
Resigned over his concern that the party were being too absorbed into the PNF.
Good for Mussolini, removing opposition. Without the crucial endorsement and leadership of Luigi Sturzo, the once powerful PPI began to decline.
Famous quote by Mussolini in Maiden Speech (I think it was maiden speech?!!)
“I could have barred up parliament and formed a government only of fascists. I could have, but I have not wanted to.”
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Link between mistakes made by political opponents and Mussolini’s ability to control parliament
Mistakes by opponents makes it easier to control parliament
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Link between threats and use of violence and Mussolini’s ability to control parliament
Violence leads to intimidation and control
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Link between Mussolini’s control of the PNF and Mussolini’s ability to control parliament
Control over his own party, e.g Fascist Grand Council, makes it easy to control parliament.
The creation of a Fascist dictatorship 1922-1926: Mussolini’s control of the PNF
- December 1922: Fascist Grand Council created to discuss key policy and elevate fascist leadership (e.g Italo Balbo, Emilia de Bono) to same position as cabinet.
- Fascist Grand Council was rival organisation to the cabinet. Helped Mussolini overcome his weak position in the cabinet and undermined the Liberal government.
- Mussolini had sole ability to appoint FGC members - centralised his power over the party.
- Jan 1923 - MVSN absorbed all the squadristi and formalised role as party-based force to support army/police.
- 300,000 members pledged alliance to Mussolini (strengthened his control at expense of ras).
- MVSN enabled Mussolini to bring an end to violence (felt it was detrimental to support among Liberal and middle classes).
- Power of ras and squads was weakened by the MVSN.
- Party doubled in size to 783,000 members - vast majority were from middle classes (diluted influence of older, more revolutionary fascists).
When was the Fascist Grand Council created?
December 1922
Why was the Fascist Grand Council created?
To discuss key policy and elevate fascist leadership (e.g Italo Balbo, Emilia de Bono) to same position as cabinet.
How did the Fascist Grand Council help Mussolini?
- Helped Mussolini overcome his weak position in the cabinet and undermined the Liberal government.
- Mussolini had sole ability to appoint FGC members - centralised his power over the party.
In January 1923, what did the MVSN do?
MVSN absorbed all the squadristi and formalised role as party-based force to support army/police.
Why was the Fascists Grand Council good for Mussolini?
- Disguised his own authoritarian control over the Italian state.
- It constituted an important instrument of patronage, as the ambition of loyal supporters was satisfied through a seat on the council.
- Nominally the highest organ of the Fascist state, it had little executive power and could do little against Mussolini’s will. Nevertheless, its mere existence pointed to the fact that Mussolini was never in control of his own party in the way that Hitler was in total control of the German Nazi Party.
How did the Fascist Grand Council constitute an important instrument of patronage?
It constituted an important instrument of patronage, as the ambition of loyal supporters was satisfied through a seat on the council.
Who were the MVSN?
The MVSN was the armed muscle of the Italian Fascist Party. Often referred to as the Blackshirts, the MVSN was formed by Mussolini in 1922, the membership consisting mainly of former servicemen who could be relied upon to further the fascist cause.
How did Mussolini strengthen his control at the expense of the ras?
300,000 members pledged alliance to Mussolini
How did the MVSN helpful to Mussolini and his campaign?
- Enabled Mussolini to bring an end to violence (felt it was detrimental to support among Liberal and middle classes).
- Power of ras and squads was weakened by the MVSN.
Mussolini’s control of the PNF: What did his party double in size to? Who were the vast majority?
Party doubled in size to 783,000 members - vast majority were from middle classes (diluted influence of older, more revolutionary fascists).
Before the 1924 election, what was Mussolini looking for?
He looked to hold a general election that would provide the PNF with the parliamentary mandate they currently lacked.
1924 election: What did Italy’s system of proportional representation mean?
Made it difficult for one party to secure a majority.
How did Mussolini overcome the parliamentary mandate the PNF currently lacked, and the system of proportional representation that made it difficult for one party to secure a majority?
Mussolini decided to introduce the Acerbo Law.
What did the Acerbo law essentially do?
Enforces a majority even though there isn’t a real majority.
What did the Acerbo Law propose?
Proposed that two-thirds of the parliamentary seats went to the party that won more than 25% of the vote.
Who opposed and supported the Acerbo Law?
The PCI and the PSI opposed the law, but the Liberal elites such as Giolitti, the King, Vatican all supported it, which put pressure on the PPI to abstain from voting.
PCI
The Italian Communist Party
What did the fascists do to ensure the Acerbo Law/bill was passed?
Applied pressure by staging demonstrations in Tuscany and Umbria and threatening violence if the bill didn’t pass.
Where did the fascists stage demonstrations to make sure the Acerbo Law passed?
Tuscany and Umbria
The fascists staged demonstrations in Tuscany and Umbria and threatened violence if the Acerbo Law didn’t pass. Did Mussolini encourage or oppose this violence?
Mussolini encouraged it, wearing a black shirt in parliament on the day the Acerbo Law was due to be debated. The law was passed and Mussolini called an election for 6th April 1924.
