March on Rome Flashcards
August 1 1922
Socialists call for a general strike which completely failed. The failed attempt was used by fascists to show how they saved Italy from a socialist revolution.
October 16 1922
Mussolini and other fascists plan an insurrection
October 24 1922
Fascist congress meet in Naples
- Mussolini tells squads that Fascism would either be appointed or will take charge
- no authorities stopped this
October 27 1922
Fascists begin their takeover
- overnight fascists seized control over police stations and governmental offices
- fascists ordered not to attack the army
- Facta asks the King to take military action
October 28 1922
2am-
The King agrees to martial law and Mussolini’s arrest was ordered. However the Milan prefect did not act on the arrest warrant.
9am-
King refuses to sign martial law order
Facta resigns
Salandra tries to form a government with Mussolini who refuses
October 29 1922
Salandra advises King to appoint Mussolini as PM
King sends telegram asking Mussolini to come to Rome and form a government
Mussolini leaves Milan on an overnight train
October 30 1922
Mussolini arrives in Rome
Victor Emmanuel III appoints Mussolini as PM
The squads arrive in Rome
12 killed in minor skirmishes
October 31 1922
All squads in Rome
Parade in front of King and Mussolini
How did the Fascists portray the March on Rome?
They said that 3,000 fascists died and it was a heroic takeover…
Why did the King support Mussolini?
- he feared his cousin the Duke of Aosta would take the throne as he was a fascist supporter
- Queen Mother was a Fascist
- he was a weak and indecisive man
- he couldn’t trust his army
How did the Elite support Mussolini?
They called Rome asking for Mussolini to be PM
How did the press portray the march?
The Liberal press justified the Fascist violence
How did the Pope support Mussolini?
He was friendly with Mussolini and even allowed fascist banners to be put up in Milan churches
How did the failure of both Facta and Giolitti help Mussolini?
Facta failed to act against fascists and fascist violence
Facta led a very weak government
Giolitti was meant to be the biggest threat to Mussolini but he did not turn up to negotiate a new government and instead supported Mussolini
