Italy Booklet 4- The Creation and Consolidation of Mussolini’s Dictatorship 1922-1929 Flashcards

1
Q

What conflict did Mussolini face when he became Prime Minister in 1922?

A

The ras were demanding further revolution and reward for helping him gain power but agreeing might lose him support from the conservative elite and the king. However, the ras might pose a threat to Mussolini’s position if he didn’t agree to some of their demands.

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2
Q

How many members of the PSI were there in Mussolini’s coalition government?

A

123

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3
Q

How many fascists did Mussolini have in his cabinet?

A

2

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4
Q

What did Mussolini’s maiden speech to Parliament consist of?

A

Threat- “I could have done so; but I chose not to, at least not for the present”.
Compromise- “in order to rally to the support of this suffocating nation all those who, regardless of nuances of party, wish to save this nation”.

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5
Q

What ratio of Parliament chose to grant Mussolini emergency powers for a year?

A

306:116

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6
Q

When was the Fascist Grand Council created and what did it do?

A

Created in December 1922 and its role was to discuss and approve government policy. The members were appointed by Mussolini and met once a month.

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7
Q

Why did Mussolini create the Fascist Grand Council?

A

Helped overcome his weak position in his cabinet and undermined the liberal government. Also consolidated his control over the fascist party as he had the sole ability to appoint its members.

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8
Q

Why did Mussolini merge the squadristi squads into a new Voluntary Fascist Militia for National Security in January 1923?

A

To formalise the role of the squadristi and strengthen Mussolini’s control over the blackshirts at the expense of the ras.

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9
Q

What did the Acerbo Law 1923 do?

A

Said that any party gaining 25% or more of votes was to be granted two thirds of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies intended to help Mussolini gain a majority in Parliament. (Actually was not needed in 1924 election as PNF had a majority anyway).

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10
Q

When did the ANI merge into the PNF?

A

February 1923

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11
Q

Why did the ANI and PNF merge?

A

It helped weaken extreme fascist ideologies as nationalist supporters were more conservative. It also eliminated right wing opposition to gain support for fascism.

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12
Q

Why did the PNF win 66.3% of the vote in the 1924 election?

A
  • Violence- militia present at voting booths and there was evidence of vote rigging and corruption.
  • Weak opposition.
  • Support of prominent liberal politicians.
  • Belief that Mussolini could genuinely solve all of Italy’s problems.
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13
Q

Who was Matteotti?

A

A socialist leader who gave a speech in parliament opposing the fascist violence in May 1924.

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14
Q

What happened to Matteotti?

A

He was brutally murdered by a gang of ex-squadristi including the personal assistant to Mussolini’s press secretary, Rossi in June 1924.

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15
Q

What was the reaction of the public to the Matteotti murder that was widely linked to Mussolini?

A

Many people protested and tore up fascist membership cards. Mussolini was fiercely criticised and many people massively feared opposing him.

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16
Q

What was the reaction of Parliament to the Matteotti murder?

A

Around 100 opposition deputies walked out of Parliament and declared themselves the true representatives of the Italian people- Aventine Secession.

17
Q

What was the reaction of the King to the Matteotti murder?

A

He chose not to dismiss Mussolini and even refused to read the Rossi memorandum as Mussolini’s opposition was divided and he still considered Mussolini to be the best option.

18
Q

Why did the indecision of the liberals help Mussolini emerge triumphant from the Matteotti crisis?

A

They were unsure what to do to convince the King to give them back power meaning they were too slow to act. This made them look really weak so they didn’t provide the King with much of an alternative.

19
Q

Why did the mistakes of the socialists help Mussolini emerge triumphant from the Matteotti crisis?

A

Many of them left Parliament which actually gave Mussolini more power in Parliament and got rid of some of his opposition when trying to pass laws. They also took too long to act and published the Rossi memorandum over Christmas so no one really read it.

20
Q

How did the squads help Mussolini establish a dictatorship?

A

Mussolini himself was unsure of what to do and the crisis actually lasted quite a few months but once it was clear that Mussolini had the King’s support, they pressured him into establishing a full dictatorship as they thought he was the only one who could achieve a fascist revolution. Met with Mussolini on 31st December 1924 and Mussolini announced the formation of a dictatorship on 3rd January 1925.

21
Q

What compromise did Mussolini make with industrialists?

A

Appointed the orthodox economist, Alberto de Stefani as Minister of Finance in 1922.

22
Q

What compromises did Mussolini make with the Catholic Church?

A

Increases clerical pay and reinstates crucifixes in schools in 1923. Concordat with the Pope in 1929.

23
Q

What foreign policy success took place in 1923?

A

Mussolini attacked Greece in revenge for the killing of an Italian government official and demanded that Greece pay 50 million lira in compensation. (In defiance of the League of Nations).

24
Q

When was the Palazzo Vidoni Pact established, which established fascist trade unions as the only representatives of Italian workers?

A

October 1925.

25
Q

When was the ability of the government to remove the PM through a vote of no confidence removed?

A

December 1925.

26
Q

What important policies were introduced in 1926 that gave Mussolini power by force?

A
  • Mussolini abolishes elected government and replaces Mayors with the ‘Podesta’ who were appointed by local prefects who were appointed by Mussolini.
  • Opposition parties were banned.
  • Special Tribunals set up to prosecute anti-fascists.
27
Q

When is Mussolini granted the power to rule by decree?

A

January 1926.

28
Q

When was Mussolini’s title of Prime Minister changed to Head of Government and Duce of Fascism?

A

December 1925.

29
Q

When was OVRA set up and what power did it have?

A

OVRA was established in 1926 with the power to arrest and detain without trial.