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

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

123

Question 3

How many fascists did Mussolini have in his cabinet?

Answer 3

2

Question 4

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

Answer 4

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”.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

306:116

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Why did Mussolini create the Fascist Grand Council?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What did the Acerbo Law 1923 do?

Answer 9

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).

Question 10

When did the ANI merge into the PNF?

Answer 10

February 1923

Question 11

Why did the ANI and PNF merge?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

• 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.

Question 13

Who was Matteotti?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What happened to Matteotti?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What was the reaction of Parliament to the Matteotti murder?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

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

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

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

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

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

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

How did the squads help Mussolini establish a dictatorship?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What compromise did Mussolini make with industrialists?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What compromises did Mussolini make with the Catholic Church?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

What foreign policy success took place in 1923?

Answer 23

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).

Question 24

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

Answer 24

October 1925.

Question 25

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

Answer 25

December 1925.

Question 26

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

Answer 26

• 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.

Question 27

When is Mussolini granted the power to rule by decree?

Answer 27

January 1926.

Question 28

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

Answer 28

December 1925.

Question 29

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

Answer 29

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