Mussolini Flashcards
What were the characteristics of his rule?
-propaganda
-The corporate state
-indoctrination
-economic policies
What was propaganda use to do?
To create a ‘cult of personality’
What did he focus his reign on achieving?
Gaining total control over the lives of the Italian people (Totalitarianism)
What affect did Mussolini have on the media?
-There was strict censorship
-expected to praise his successes and not report any failures
“Mussolini….
“Mussolini was always right”
How was his cult of personality constructed?
It was constructed as if he was the perfect statesmen
Mussolini was a….
“Man of destiny” that works timelessly for his country
How was Mussolini portrayed to be a hard working leader?
Lights were left on at night time in his office
How did Churchill describe Mussolini’s
He described him as a “Roman Genius” and “the greatest law giver among living men”
How was propaganda utilised to humanise “ill Duce”
Carefully selected photos and pictures placed all over the country
Why was the corporate state introduced?
To promote cooperation between employees and workers
How we’re workers organised?
They were organised into corporations
~expected to work together to solve disputes and issues
What was banned under the corporate state?
Strikes and lockouts
How did the fascist party compensate workers for their lack of freedom?
They introduced: free Sundays, annual paid holidays, cheap tours/holidays
What was indoctrination?
It was a policy used to gain control over the youth of Italy
What were Italian boys expected to grow into?
Italian soldiers to fight for the “glory of Italy”
What’s were girls expected to do?
To become good mothers and support their nation by bearing many children to build the population of a great nation needed
How was indoctrination used in schools?
-portraits of Mussolini hung in every classroom
-teachers forced to swear an oath of loyalty
-children chanted fascist slogans “believe, obey, fight”
How were history books re written?
-Focused more on Italian history
-exaggerated Mussolini’s rise to becoming leader
What did Mussolini want to achieve economically?
Wanted Italy to become self sufficient in agriculture (reduce dependence to import wheat)
What was the battle for grain?
When grain imports fell and wheat became more expensive
What did the ‘battle for grain’ lead to?
The price of bread rising (affected the poorest members of Italian society)
What did Mussolini do with the Lira (currency)?
Insisted on keeping its value strong against other currencies
What did he believe keeping the currency strong would demonstrate?
The type of great power he was claiming Italy to be
What did keeping the value of the lira strong do?
Made Italian exports more expensive (less people bought them=rise in unemployment )
How did Mussolini counteract unemployment?
Established public works schemes (draining of Pontaine Marshes, development of hydroelectricity plants, building of the autostrada)
