Mussolini: Emergence of an Authoritarian State Flashcards
What were the key characteristics of Fascism? [4]
- Fascism was negatively aligned against communism, internationalism, liberal democracy, and class divisions.
- Fascism is inherently anti-communist because it is against internationalism and believes in social darwinism.
- Militarism: Predisposed to war and conflict, which is viewed as necessary to make progress.
- Authoritarianism: Total control by the state at the expense of personal freedom.
How did economic and political problems in Italy following WW1 help the Fascist party?
How did rise in communism help the Fascist party?
- They led to a rise in polarisation, nationalism, socialism, and negative alignment with demagogues such as M.
- Fascism opposed communism ideologically and physically, attracting support from wealthy industrialists and landowners.
Why were the Fascists able to come to power (summary)
- Favourable long term circumstances— social tensions in Italy, weak liberal governments, and economic hardship following WW1. Combined with the gov’ overestimation of the power of the F party, Mussolini was able to pressure the King into appointing him as PM.
How did Mussolini’s beliefs change after WW1? [4]
- He abandoned his call for reduction of class struggle.
- He now supported Italian involvement in the war.
- He adopted an extreme nationalist position, and renounced socialism.
- Previously involved in Socialist party and Red week.
Why did Italy have a poor economy after the war?
- Inflation as a result of gov’ spending during the war saw prices rise by 400% 1915-18. Many middle class savings lost.
How did a rise in socialism help the Fascists? [4] ******
- Economic problems produced support for the Socialist Party, who called for an overthrow of the Liberal gov’
What was Mussolini’s policy toward the use of violence from 1921-22?
From 1921-22, Mussolini followed a dual policy, allowing the ras to continue the use of violence, whilst reassuring the conservative elites, and appeasing the more liberal Fascists (Pact of Pacification with moderate socialists 1921).
How did occupations increase the threat of insurrection?
Towns and local governments were taken under Fascist control, including Ferrara and Bologna. By Oct, with much of N and central Italy under F control, and M made plans for a coup and a March on Rome.
What was the government’s response to the use of violence and the ‘March on Rome’, 1922? [2]
- In reality [], yet the gov’ overestimated M, and the King was pressured to appointing him to avoid the coup.
- Various liberal politicians (Salandra, Giolitti) wanted to lead a gov’ Fascists, and the King doubted whether the army could resist the march.
How popular was the socialist party after WW1?
Bienno Rosso 1919-1920, the socialist party grew to 200 000, and in 1919 industrial workers made strikes and factory and land occupations. Trade union membership grew from 250 000 to 2 mil.
What was the response to the rise in socialism after WW1? [2]
- The gov’ under Giolitti did little to put down rebellion - lost support from middle and upper classes.
- Industrialists, landowners & the middle class began to fear a communist revolution, by opposing the strikes and occupations with squadristi violence, Mussolini gained their support.
Why was there distrust for the liberal governments? [3]
Perceived weakness and distrust of Gov’: Lib gov’ before WWI had a reputation for corruption, & did not help the lower classes > peasant & working class unrest,
- Had a bad relationship with the Catholic church who until ‘19 banned the formation of a Catholic party, anti-clerical policies.
- After WW1, liberal seats in parliament dropped, so coalition governments were unable to form successfully. Fascism appeared to offer strength and stability while the democratic parliamentary system was undermined.
Why did division exist in Italian society?
Lack of sense of Italian identity after recent unification - regionalism strong, political + economic divisions in N and S. Lower and working classes had little voice in politics as vote limited to wealthy elites until 1930
What was the effect of WW1 on Italy?
The TOV was termed a ‘mutilated victory’, as PM Orlando not able to secure the territorial gains they had been promised in Dalmatia and Fiume despite sacrifices made. Led to discontent, & many blamed the liberal gov’.
What main factors helped Mussolini come to power? [3]
- Perceived weakness and distrust for liberal governments.
- Economic hardship in Italy
=> Rise in socialism. - The Fascist’s threat of insurrection.
