Squadrismo and the move to the right

Question 1

culture of war and violence

Answer 1

• War created strong culture of violence among returning soldiers, perceived socialists and workers in strike as no different from war
  enemies.
• Fascists formed themselves into small military units (organisation = squadrismo, members = squadristi) and answered socialist threat with
  violence.

Question 2

FdC demonstrations

Answer 2

• 15 April 1919: Fascist squad of 250 attacked socialist demonstration in Milan and burned Avanti! offices. Mussolini did not organise the
  violence but realised its power. None of them were arrested and government made no attempt to close them down; they tolerated
  squadristi as they feared socialist revolution.`

Question 3

1919 election

Answer 3

• Fascists had 0 seats after 1919 election. Mussolini considered political future in Italy, but now realised violence would give power.

Question 4

Ras

Answer 4

• Mussolini encouraged formation of more squads, they were under commanding officer knows as a ras. Members wore black shirts and
  carried revolvers and attacked socialist councils and members. Weapons supplied by local police and army barracks.

Question 5

fascist myth

Answer 5

Violence created myth that fascist ‘war’ against socialists ‘saved’ Italy from revolution.

Question 6

landowners

Answer 6

Mussolini was encouraged to take the fascist movement more to the right.

Popular in countryside as landowners saw socialist land leagues destroyed and attempts for land reform ended.