Mussolini and the developments of fascism, 1919-22

Question 1

What did the Fasci di Combattimento’s manifesto call for?

Answer 1

• A minimum wage and an eight hour working day
• Control of Italy’s national strength and prestige
• Control of the banks and stock exchanges

Question 2

Mussolini’s fascism also emphasised negatives to attract political support, such as:

Answer 2

• The growing threat of socialism
• The weakness of the Italian political system and democracy
• the TOV and ‘mutilated victory’

Question 3

How did the 1919 elections show a collapsing fascist party?

Answer 3

• Failed to win any seats in Parliament
• Achieved fewer than 5,000 votes out of 275,000 in their powerbase of Milan

Question 4

How did Mussolini ‘save’ the movement?

Answer 4

• Exploitation of conservative fears of the ‘Socialist threat’ = led to its rapid growth

Question 5

How did Mussolini utilise the occupation of factories in 1920?

Answer 5

• Convinced many Italians they were on the verge of a revolution and that Fascists would defend Italy against this threat

Question 6

How did the fascists use violence to gain control?

Answer 6

• Invaded villages
• Beat up union leaders
• Intimidated voters during elections
• Organised tax strikes in socialist-controlled towns

Question 7

Who were the fascists helped by which increased the sustainability of their control?

Answer 7

• By the army and the police - saw Fascism as a good way to regain control of certain areas

Question 8

What did Mussolini use to publicise fascist activities?

Answer 8

• His newspaper called ‘Il Popolo d’Italia’ - glorified fascist behaviour whilst creating awareness

Question 9

How did Mussolini’s leadership aid the movement?

Answer 9

• Mussolini as a unifying leader the movement could present itself as powerful, stable and national

Question 10

How did Mussolini appeal to both radicals and traditional elites?

Answer 10

• Mussolini used the squadristi to present himself as a mdoerate statesmen, the only one who could keep the violence of the squads in check

Question 11

How did the tax increases and economic problems aid fascist support?

Answer 11

• Small scale industrialists were angered and elites intended on financially supporting the movement

Question 12

How did younger Italians view the fascist movement?

Answer 12

• An appealing alternative to the corrupt Liberal system - a strong and unified Italy
• Older generations saw it as as promoting stability