Mussolini as a dictator Flashcards
1
Q
What was the Cult of the Duce?
A
- Mussolini alone was ruler of Italy; propagated in posters, newspapers and in official statements
- ‘Mussolini is always right’
2
Q
How was Mussolini portrayed as a statesman?
A
- Saviour of Italy
- Sent by God
- Supreme patriot
- Heir to Julius Caesar
- Great thinker
- Paternal
3
Q
How was Mussolini portrayed as a man?
A
- Likened to Jesus
- War hero, who despite 40 wounds did not need anaesthetics when operated upon
- Worked up to 20 hours a day
- Incorruptible
- Man of the people
4
Q
How was the image of Mussolini portrayed?
A
- Through all the media, especially press, posters and film
- Through government pronouncements
- Public buildings carried pictures and sculptures of him
- Even Catholic Church referred to Mussolini as man sent by providence
5
Q
What was the role of the Mussolini myth?
A
- To provide a focal point for the people to rally around
6
Q
What were the effects of the Mussolini myth?
A
- Helped win mass support
- Mussolini’s personal prestige sustained the regime when it got into difficulties
- Corruption and other minor problems could be blamed on the Fascists, not Mussolini
7
Q
What were the disadvantages of the Mussolini myth?
A
- Mussolini came to believe his own image
- He became a victim of his own propaganda
- Believed he was infallible
- Once the Mussolini myth dies, it was possible to replace him
8
Q
When did the Mussolini myth reach its peak?
A
The 1930s under Starace
9
Q
Why was Mussolini’s distrust of his councillors a disadvantage?
A
By 1933, he had dismissed his most able ministers e.g. Rocco, Federzoni, Bottai, Grandi, and Turati
10
Q
How did Mussolini differ to the image portrayed by the Cult of the Duce?
A
- 5ft 6ins tall
- Needed 9 hours sleep
- Suffered from metal paralysis when under stress
- Had a gastric ulcer
- Very superstitious
