Opposition in fascist Italy Flashcards
When and where was the anti fascist concentration established
In Paris in 1927
Who was the anti fascist concentration comprised of
Many socialists and some liberals
What did the anti fascist concentration concentrate on doing?
Informing Europeans of the evils of fascism via conferences and journals
What happened to the anti fascist concentration in 1934?
It dissolved itself as it was losing support to the more radical GL and communist organisations
What did many major politicians begin to do after 1924?
Leave Italy and work against the fascists in exile
What were political exiles known as?
Fuorusciti
What did the fuorusciti do
- Publicised the horrors of fascism abroad
- Smuggled anti-fascist literature into Italy
- Planned for the overthrow of fascism
Why were the fuorusciti not that much of a threat?
Because they performed their work outside of Italy
What was the name of the communist newspaper that survived illegally?
L’Unita
How many communist party members were there?
2,000-8,000
What success did the communist party enjoy?
They had some success in the north in infiltrating factories and trade unions to kickstart strikes and demonstrations
What made the communist party more supported in the 1930s?
The great depression and more popular policies
What did the communist party have a major role in from 1943?
The resistance movement in the north
What did the Catholic church oppose in 1938?
Racist decrees
Why was there always some opposition from within the PNF?
It was a diverse movement inherited by radicals
What ultimately led to Mussolini’s removal as leader in 1943?
A majority of the fascist grand council voting to do this
What did the King do in July 1943?
Dismissed Mussolini
Why was the King not that much of a threat?
He was mostly supportive, only privately criticising measures that he thought would limit his power
Why did ethnic minorities feel the need to engage in terrorist attacks?
They rejected the imposition of Italian culture and language on German and Slav minorities
Why were attempts at spreading anti-fascist propaganda unsuccessful?
- They were periodically disrupted by the police
- Campaigners were instructed to pass on just six leaflets to others
When and why did criticism of fascist violence begin to stop?
Following the Matteoti crisis due to them being suppressed
How many assassination attempts did Mussolini suffer between 1925-26?
4
Who founded GL and when did they do it?
The Roselli brothers in 1929
What did GL try to do?
Galvanise Italians into anti-fascist action
What happened to GL after the death of the Rosselli brothers?
It declined and then underwent a revival in 1943
What did Bassanesi do to oppose the regime?
Flew over Milan and dropped 100,000 leaflets urging resistance in 1930
What did De Bosis do to oppose the regime?
He dropped 400,000 leaflets over Rome telling people they should unite with the monarchy against fascism
