Mussolini and the Development of Fascism, 1919-22

Question 1

Why did fascism appeal to young Italians?

Answer 1

They had grown tired of the corruption of the old liberal state, fascism was a new, dynamic alternative that could bring about a better society

Question 2

Why did fascism appeal to the working class?

Answer 2

Opposed the strength of the socialists and the violence used against workers who continued working in strikes

Question 3

Why did fascism appeal to financial supporters, such as industrialists?

Answer 3

Supported attempts by the fascists to break union powers and socialism

Question 4

Why did fascism appeal to the more wealthy people who lived in the countryside?

Answer 4

Fascism was a means of protecting their lifestyle from socialism which wanted greater land reforms

Question 5

Why did fascism appeal to middle class, white collar workers and business owners in town and cities?

Answer 5

Feared a socialist revolution and were worried about rise on local taxes by the PSI

Question 6

What did Fascism promise in terms of politics in 1919?

Answer 6

A foreign policy of peaceful competition with civilized nations, republic with universal male and female suffrage, liberty of opinion and conscience

Question 7

What did Fascism offer in terms of politics in 1921?

Answer 7

Complete unification for Italy with a major role in the Mediterranean, no specific commitment on political structure except to ensure Italy’s historic destiny, limits on freedom in the interest of the nation

Question 8

What did Fascism promise in terms of the economy in 1919?

Answer 8

Heavy & progressive tax on capital, confiscation of unproductive income, nationalization of all arms factories, confiscation of 85% of war profits, confiscation of property belonging to religious organisations

Question 9

What did Fascism offer in terms of the economy in 1921?

Answer 9

Taxes proportional to income, not confiscatory, nationalized firms private, encouragement for national wealth through individual, no reference to church property

Question 10

What did Fascism promise in terms of social factors and workers rights in 1919?

Answer 10

Eight hour working day & guaranteed minimum wage, workers participation in management of industry through National Councils of Labour, common education for all, abolition of obligatory military service

Question 11

What did Fascism offer in terms of social factors and workers rights in 1921?

Answer 11

Eight hour day with exceptions for agricultural or industrial requirements, corporations to express national solidarity and increase production, schools to train governing elite and provide future soldiers with physical and moral training, obligatory military service