Italy Booklet 3- The Development of Fascism and the Rise to Power of Mussolini 1919-1922 Flashcards
How many votes and seats did the fascists get in the 1919 election?
Less than 5,000 and they failed to win any seats.
What was Mussolini’s background like?
Son of an extreme socialist blacksmith father. Suspended from school 4 times for reasons including stabbing an older boy with a penknife. Became a teacher for 6 months but fled to Switzerland to escape his debts. In 1910 he became Secretary to the Socialist Party in Forli and was nicknamed the madman. Jailed for 5 months for protests against the Libyan War. Became editor of Avanti! and massively increased its circulation to 100,000.
When was the Fasci di Combattimento founded and what were the 3 declarations that Mussolini set out at the first meeting of the Fasci di Combattimento?
Founded on 23rd March 1919.
1) Want rights for everyone, specifically those that fought in the war.
2) To oppose imperialism and accept Italy’s borders were they are.
3) To prevent neutralists from WW1 gaining power in political parties.
When did a fascist squad of around 200 to 300, dressed in black, attack a Socialist demonstration without the organisation or authorisation of Mussolini?
April 1919.
What didn’t happen after the first squadristi violence in Milan and why was this significant for Mussolini?
The government and police made no attempt to close down the fascists or condemn their actions. It showed Mussolini that they would allow squadristi violence because of their fears of a socialist revolution. Later, many weapons used by the squadristi would even be supplied by the local police and army barracks.
What did the squadristi do?
They were organised like military units under a ras (commanding officer) and they wore an black shirt and carried revolvers and clubs. They attacked Socialist councils and supporters in an attempt to weaken their power. Key PSI members were targeted and forced to drink castor oil and many were murdered.
How did the squadristi violence gain Mussolini support?
It created the myth of fascism, that it was saving Italy from revolution. A key part of fascist propaganda was the idea that the soldiers had saved Italy from the external enemy, Austria and now they were saving Italy from the internal enemy, the socialists. It was particularly popular in the countryside where wealthy landowners were happy to see Socialist land leagues destroyed.
Why did the industrialists and petty bourgeoisie support the fascists?
They were angry at the government’s weak response to socialist threat and the mass strikes and factory occupations. They were also angry about increased taxation.
The fascists were engaging in strike breaking and forced unions to disband. They were also pro-business and supported privatisation.
Why did landowners support the fascists?
Threatened by socialist and Catholic unions pushing for land reform and land redistribution which would restrict their wealth.
Fascists attacked the Socialist Land Leagues and weakened their power.
Why did ex soldiers support the fascists?
They felt betrayed by the government for the mutilated victory and viewed the PSI as the new internal enemy for sabotaging the war effort.
The fascists wanted returning soldiers to lead the new Italy and promised to punish neutralists.
Why did some of the working class support the fascists?
They were forced to join fascist syndicates but also some opposed strikes and felt intimidated by the PSI to get involved. The fascists also had policies like fair wages and prices. Small business owners also tried to get workers to turn to fascism instead of socialism.
Why did young people and students support the fascists?
They were tired of the corrupt liberal government and liked the dynamic new force of fascism as well as the promise of an 8 hour working day. In 1921, 10% of fascist supporters were students.
What were some key fascist policies in 1919?
An 8 hour working day with guaranteed minimum wage.
Abolition of obligatory military service.
Heavy and progressive tax on capital.
Confiscation of all property belonging to religious organisations.
Liberty of opinion and conscience.
Which policy stayed the same by 1921?
An 8 hour working day.
What other policies were there in 1921?
Citizen freedoms limited in relation to the needs of the nation.
Taxes proportional to income with no forcible confiscations.
No references to confiscating property of Catholic Church.
Obligatory military service.
Expansion of Italy’s influence in the Mediterranean.
