o Mussolini and the development of fascism, 1919–22 Flashcards
What were the key aspects of Fascism’s development from 1919 to 1922?
The formation of the Fascist di combattimento and the party programme
Squadrismo and the move to the right
Political legitimacy
The PNF and the ‘new programme’
Nature and the extent of Fascist support
How was the formation of the Fascist di combattimento a key key aspects in Fascism’s development from 1919 to 1922?
23rd March 1919 Mussolini called together representatives of 20 ex-serviceman leagues to all form the Fasci. Mussolini hoped to destroy the liberal order by and create a trincerocrazia that would rule Italy.
By June the Fasci di combattimento set out an anti-clerical programme, wanted the monarchy to end and a republic to be formed, suffrage to be extended to women and younger Italians, nationalisation of the armament industry, the establishment of an eight-hour working day and the abolition of the sense, progressive taxation and the confiscation of profits from those companies that had made large profits from the war.
Major issue with this political programme was that it didn’t distinguish the Fasci (right) from the PSI (left).
Party grew rapidly and by June had 3,000 members and the ‘blackshirts’ and black flag had become their identity.
How was political legitimacy a key aspects of Fascism’s development from 1919 to 1922?
Fascism received greater political legitimacy as respectable liberal politicians - squads were restoring law and order to Italy and rescuing the country form radicalism and the fate of Russia 1917 and police stood by them - allowing them to attack socialists and sometimes even joining in.
Success of Fascist violence was evident in the May 1921 elections as the squads were used to intimidate voters and the police even offered them support in doing so (ie providing them with weapons, vehicles).
Despite PSI still winning highest vote, Fascists had an electoral breakthrough so they won 35 parliamentary seats (7%) meaning Mussolini now had respectability and authority as a member of parliament (legitimising fascism as a political force) and he had immunity from persecution.
How was the PNF and the ‘New Programme’ a key aspect of Fascism’s development from 1919 to 1922?
May 1920 a new more conservative/right-winged programme was adopted with a more militaristic (calling for compulsory military service, unification of Italian ‘Irredente lands’, improved education system that would provide future soldiers with moral and physical training) and pro-business attitude - dropping any mentions of removing the monarchy or attacking the power of the pope.
October 1921, the fascist rise further progresses as the movement was organised into the ‘PNF’ (Partio Nazionale Fascista) - a formal political party - attempted to recruit more ‘respectable members’ who might help advance fascism’s appeal beyond the appreciation among certain classes of Italians for the violence used against the socialists.
How was the nature and extent of Fascist support a key aspect of Fascism’s development from 1919 to 1922?
By end of 1921 PNF grew to 200,000
Support for Fascism was widespread and in specific was strong from the middle classes, white collar workers and small business owners
Rich Landowners and Italian industrialists also supported it as found Fascism as a way to protect their lifestyle and so financially budgeted it
It also appealed to young Italians (tired of the corruption and lethargy of the old liberal order) and wanted a dynamic alternative and it appealed to both men and women alike - bonded by united key aspects such as: strong patriotism, a hatred of the socialists and the weak liberal government, and a belief in Mussolini as the man who could sweep away the decaying, weak Italy and lead the country to a new, stronger, more nationally united future that reclaimed the glory achieved in the country’s military victory during WW1.
