Mussolini and Fascist Italy Flashcards
What caused Mussolini’s rise to power?
- Anger at post-war treaties
- Economic turmoil/inflation
- Fear of the Spread of Communism
- Weak Democratic governments
Why were Italians unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles?
They demanded Italy be given the land it was promised. Italia Irredenta (Unredeemed Italy)
What were the Economic conditions after WW1 in Italy?
- 85 million lire in debt after War loans
- Industrial and agricultural decline post Wall Street Crash
- Low wages, high unemployment. 1919, 2 million unemployed
- Between 1914-20, 500 percent Inflation.
Why was there fear of the Rise of Communism before Mussolini came to power?
- 1919 General Election the Italian Socialist Party win 30 percent of seats
- 1921 Italian Communist Party was Founded
- Unrest in countryside, labourers trying to take over land, strikes
- Industrialist and landlords organised groups to attack protesters
Why was the Italian Government pre-Mussolini viewed as weak?
Between 1919 and 1922 there were 5 different coalition Governments. They failed to control lawlessness or solve economic, social problems
What year did Mussolini found his party and what was it called?
1919, Fasci Italiani di Combattimento (Italian League of Combatants) formed from several right wing political groups.
What was the paramilitary branch of the Fascist party called?
The Squadristi (Blackshirts)
After the 1919 election what was Mussolini’s party’s policies?
- Italian Nationalism
- Call for Spazio Vitale (vital space) Expanding Italy, rebuild Roman Empire
- Downplayed his Clerical and Monarchist views
How large were the Fascist groups in 1922?
There were 3,000 Fascist Groups and 250,000 members
When did the March on Rome take place and how many were involved?
October 1922, 30,000 blackshirts
What was the Kings response to the March on Rome?
He ignored PM Facta’s ask to dismiss it and requested Mussolini formed a government.
How did Mussolini establish a dictatorship?
- Acerbo law
- Matteotti’s Murder
- Propaganda and Terror
What was Acerbo law and when was it passed?
This gave the party with the most votes in a GE, over 25 percent, two thirds of the seats
It was passed in November 1923
How many seats did Mussolini win in the 1924 GE?
65 percent
Who was Giacomo Matteotti and what did he do?
Leader of the Socialist party
Gave speeches against the Fascist Party, Published ‘The Fascist Exposed: A Year of Fascist Denomination’ Calling out voter intimidation
What was the Aventine Secession?
The Socialist Party withdrew from the Chamber till Mussolini was dismissed in response to the murder of Matteoti
What were the OVRA and when were they set up?
The Secret Police.
Early 1927
When did Mussolini pass a law letting him rule by decree?
1925
What was Mussolini’s nickname and motto?
Il Duce
Mussolini is always right
Describe Propaganda in Fascist Italy?
- Portrayed as Untouchable man of the people, working in fields
- Censorship
- news focused on fascism, journalists vetted by Party
- Radios, 1 million in 1939
- Teachers swore oath of loyalty to fascism, curriculum taught fascism and Roman Empire
- Youth Groups, all others banned
What was the ONB?
Opera Nazionale Balilla, set up in 1925
Taught boys to be soldiers, fascist ideology and girls taught sewing, singing and childcare.
What was the name of Mussolini’s agreement with the church and what did it entail?
The Latern Agreements, Treaty and Concordat 1929
- Catholicism official religion of Italy
- Italian Clergy paid by State
- Bishops appointed in Rome, Italian and State approved
- Catholic marriage was recognised by the state, no divorce
- Papacy recognised the Italian State
- State compensate Papacy for loss of Papal States 1870
- Church would support the Fascist Governments anti-socialist policies
Who was Alberto Di Stefani and what did he do?
Minister of Finance 1922-25
Tax reforms, maintain free trade, Encourage foreign investment
What was autarky and give a relevant example?
Economic Self sufficiency
Protectionist tariffs
