Italy Booklet 4: The Creation and Consolidation of Mussolini’s Dictatorship, 1922-1929 Flashcards
What problem did Mussolini face in terms of the black shirt squads when he became PM?
The ras were demanding further revolution and greater reward in helping his achieve power.
What problem did Mussolini face To do with fascists in government when he became PM?
Despite being PM, he only had 35 fascist deputies in parliament and no fascists in his cabinet.
What emergency powers was Mussolini given for the first year of his being PM?
He was given power over the armed forces and the power to rule by decree
What was the fascist grand council?
It was created in December 1922 with the role of discussing and approving government policy. There were 22 members who were nominated by Mussolini. They met once a month
What was the significance of the fascist grand council?
It elevated fascist leadership to the same position as the cabinet and helped Mussolini overcome his weak position. It undermined the liberal government
What was the voluntary fascist militia for national security?
A merge of the squads and the militia, members had to swear loyalty to Mussolini not the king.
What was the significance of the merging of the squads and militia?
It allowed Mussolini to strengthen his control over the blackshirts at the expense of the ras and bring an end to fascist violence which he now felt would be detrimental.
What was the acerbo law?
1923 - It changed the old electroal system but kept proportional representation. It divided the country into 15 large constituencies. any party gaining 25% of votes or more were to be granted 2/3 of the seats in the chamber of deputies
When did the fascist and nationalist parties merge? and why was this significant?
in 1923 and it ensured that the fascists would have a majority at the next election.
What was negative about the election in 1924?
There was an atmosphere of intimidation and violence, one socialist candidate was killed, evidence of vote corruption and rigging, militia were present at voting booths
What were the results of the April 1924 election?
Fascists increased seats from 35 to 275 and and 65% of the votes.
Who was Matteotti?
Giacome Matteotti was the leader of the PSI in 1924 who was murdered.
What happened to Matteotti?
on 10th June he was kidnapped and murdered, his body was found in a shallow grave outside Rome on 16th August 1924
What was the reaction of the public to Matteotti’s murder?
people were very angry, there were protests in the street and criticism by the press.
What was the aventine succession?
around 100 antifascist deputies from a variety of parties walked out and set up their own parliament
