Mussolini's Domestic Policies 1922-39 Flashcards
Jan 7 2025
What did Mussolini want to do with the economy?
Wanted to improve economic state so foreign input stops
- Wanted to show the world the greatness of Italy
Autarky?
Economic independence
What did Mussolini want to do with the propaganda?
Create personal dictatorship
Battle for grain?
To improve agriculture in order to increase production
What were farmers given for the battle for grain?
Grants on tractors and fertilizers and advice on modern techniques
Corporate state?
1926-39
Aimed to transform economy to a revolutionary form
- Provided corporation/ corporate body for each industry
Features of corporate state?
Goal was to eliminate conflict between worker and employer
- All work is for common good
- Trade unions banned and strikes forbidden
- Fascists were in control
- Wages fell, living standard was low
- Decisions made through negotiation
What were the successes of Mussolini’s policies?
- Battle for grain
- Battle for land and Lira
- Corporate state
Battle of grain successes?
Grain imports rescued by 75% between 1925-35
-Mussolini took credit for everything which improved his popularity
Successes of battle of Land and Lira
BFL = Increased farm land
BFL I = Improved currency value and prevent domestic price increase
Successes of corporate state?
By 1934 there was 22 corporations controlling most of the economy
- Influenced the entire economy
Failures of battle of grain?
- Although wheat production increased it caused lots of farms to shift from producing native to Italy stuff like citrus, grapes, and olives
- Failed to address the north south division and rural poverty of the south
Failures of corporate state?
All corporates were ruled by fascist which put worker’s interest aside
- Corporations ignored major industries
What problems did corporation solve?
They did not solve conflict between capital and labour instead suppressed and took important role that Mussolini suggested
What did stressing of the Cult of personality do to Mussolini?
It stressed Mussolini’s genius, power, and indispensability of nation
When was opposition newspaper oppressed?
1926
What could also happen at the same time as when opposition newspaper was oppressed
Journalists, editors can be killed or arrested for bad talk about regime
What did Mussolini make sure of by 1930?
All schools had a radio in them that broadcasted his “official events”
What happened to American movies in Italy?
They were still played but it was made sure they had a fascist version of current versions at the end of the
What was Mussolini’s nickname?
il Duce = the leader
What was Mussolini portrayed as?
As Italy’s saviour and man chosen by destiny
Mussolini’s quote about his decisions
” Often I would like to e wrong but so far it has never happened and events had turned out just how I foresaw”
What did Chamberlain of the newspaper say about Mussolini?
“Wonderful man working for the greatness of the country”
What did Mussolini often do with success and failures?
He was quick to take credit for success and blame others for failures
Successes of propaganda?
It made people believe they had no other choice but to support the fascist party
What did Historian Felice claim?
Claimed that Mussolini was extremely popular between 1929-36
How did Mussolini’s popularity decrease?
Decreased a lot w/ the anti-semetic laws 1937 - 38 and the invasion of Greece
What kind of factor did antisemitism create in Italy?
Unifying
Key points about anti semitism in Italy?
- 50 K Jews lied in Italy 1930s
- Passed laws in 1938 that Jews cannot join armed force or government
- Excluded immigration of foreign Jews to Italy
- 75% of Italy’s Jews survived ww1
- 7,500 Jews sent to German concentration camps
