Nature and extent of fascist support

Question 1

members

Answer 1

• End of 1921, PNF had 200,000 members.

Question 2

support

Answer 2

from wide scope of society

• PNF appealed to urban middle class, white collar workers, small businesses.

Question 3

fear of PSI

Answer 3

• Italians feared socialist revolution and increase in taxes from PSI.

Question 4

landowners

Answer 4

• Landowners saw fascists as a means to protect their lifestyle. Richer landowners and industrialists gave financial support to fascists.

Question 5

workers and peasants

Answer 5

peasants ,who opposed strength of the socialists and the violence used against labourers who opposed strikes,
supported fascists.

Question 6

youth

Answer 6

Youth grew tired of corruption and lethargy of liberal order, saw fascism as new, dynamic alternative.

Question 7

unifying party

Answer 7

• Fascism was first genuinely nationalist party, appealed to men, women, classes, regions, ages.
• Broad support united by strong patriotism, hatred of socialists and liberals, belief that Mussolini could sweep away the weak Italy and
  create a stronger united future.