Mussolini’s Rise - Rome, Ve3 and Appointment Flashcards
1st August 1922
Socialists call general strike but it’s poorly supported and fascists claim it was due to their actions
16 October 1922
Mussolini meets with other Fascist leaders who agree to plan a takeover of the Italian government
24th October 1922
Fascist congress in Naples where Mussolini tells fascists that he will be appointed prime minister of he will seize power
27th October 1922
Fascists March on Rome and take control of telephone exchanges, police stations, and government offices in parts of northern Italy and Facta asks the king to authorise the army to stop fascists.
28th October 1922
King agrees on martial law at 2am and Mussolini’s arrest is ordered but at 9am the king decides not to enforce martial law, Facta resigns, king turns towards Salamdra who doesn’t form a government
29th October 1922
No other liberal politician able to gain support for a government, the king decides to invite Mussolini to become prime minister of italy
30 October 1922
Mussolini arrives in Rome and meets with king to be sworn in as Prime minister of Italy
31st October 1922
Victory parade by squadristi who march through rome
Who was pushing for a march on Rome and the violent takeover of government?
The ras
Why did Mussolini feel that being appointed constitutionally was a better option?
Stronger position, as leader of Italy and his party and was fearful of the Military.
What was the character of Victor Emmanuel III like?
Weak and indecisive
What factors influenced VE3’s decision to appoint Mussolini?
- He lacked confidence in Facta to control the situation.
- Had been encouraged by Salandra to not sign the decree
- Feared the military wouldn’t obey his orders and would side with fascists
- Deterred by the idea of bloodshed
- His cousin, Duke of Aosta, supported fascists and Mussolini hinted if fascists took over he could be replaced.
Why did Salandra, Orlando and Giolitti all recommend Mussolini to be Appointed?
They each wanted to be prime minister but were rivals and didn’t want to recommend each other
How did Mussolini make an act of political showmanship during October 1922?
Unhooked his phone and visited the theatre to demonstrate his calmness in a time of political uncertainty
Quadrumvirs
Four main leaders of fascism who Mussolini gave the task of organising the march on Rome.
