Mussolini's increasing power 1922-1924 Flashcards
When was Mussolini appointed Prime Minister?
30th October 1922
How many Fascists were in government in 1922?
Fascists had 36 seats in the chamber
Mussolini’s government contained 15 senior ministers, 3 of whom were fascists
What happened in November 1922?
Mussolini told the people of Italy that the threat of a Socialist revolution was looming large, and the country was in danger
What were the consequences of Mussolini’s 1922 speech?
400 deputies voted for Mussolini’s ‘Rule by Decree’ this meant he could create new laws without consulting parliament for 12 months.
Giolitti, Salandra and Facta all supported Mussolini’s ‘decisive’ manner.
What did Mussolini establish in December 1922?
The Grand Council of Fascism
How did the council help him consolidate his power?
It increased his authority over the party
Mussolini made all appointments to the council which ensured that he alone controlled Fascist policy
What did Mussolini do in January 1923?
He converted the Fascist squads into national militia (MSVN) paid for by the state
What was the significance of the national militia?
Militia reduces the influence of the provincial Fascist leaders
Mussolini possessed a private army of 30,000 which he used to intimidate opponents
Who did Mussolini persuade to support him in 1923? And how did he do this?
In early 1923, Mussolini persuaded the employers’ organisation Confundustria to support him.
He did this by not attacking widespread tax evasion, which convinced industrialists that he was not radical
Why did the Church not support Mussolini initially?
The Pope and PPI disapproved of Mussolini’s use of violence and his 1919 programme which called for the removal of all Church property
How did Mussolini win over the Church?
In January 1923, Mussolini confirmed he intended to ban contraception and make religious education compulsory in state schools.
Mussolini also began to combat against socialism which meant him and the Church were now unified under a common enemy
What was the impact of the Church supporting Mussolini?
The Pope instructed the PPI to disband in 1923 and the Pope instructed its leader, Don Sturzo, to leave Italy.
What international crisis happened in 1923?
Corfu crisis. An Italian diplomat was murdered on Greek soil, Mussolini demanded 50 lire and he received it
How big was the Fascist party in 1923?
783,000 members. (Increased from 300,000 in Oct 1922.)
