The 'battle for births' and the 'battle for grain'

Question 1

May 1927

Answer 1

Battle for Births announced by Mussolini
encouraged Italians to increase size of their families for 60M population by 1950s
Mussolini believed current 40M population and low birth rate detrimental to country’s goal of becoming a world power

Question 2

larger population

Answer 2

Party declared 40M not large enough to compete with Germany and Russia
Military strength could be boosted by a larger population
Economically, believed larger population would create more competition for employment and keep wages and labour costs low
Population growth would improve quality of population

Question 3

church

Answer 3

Policy linked to Mussolini’s aims of developing better relations with Church; ideal Italian women focused on family with sole aim of birthing and raising many children.
poorer southern areas (eg. Basilicata) with traditional values dominated; high birth rates; set as example to Italy
tac reductions and loans provided for families with lots of children; prizes given to mothers

Question 4

1927: men

Answer 4

Employed men given tax concessions if they have 7+ children
Bachelor’s tax ensured single men took more financial burden
Fathers of large families given better career opportunities, promotions and employment in government jobs

Question 5

1927: women

Answer 5

All birth control banned

Women’s involvement in industry and service opposed

Question 6

1930s

Answer 6

1930’s, Italy had highest proportion of married females in employment despite attempts to reduce
Government lowered women wages in 1927 to discourage working; encouraged employers to hire them
Cuts in mens wages during depression meant women had to work to provide
birth rate continued to decline, marriage rate fell

Question 7

1925

Answer 7

The Battle for Grain announced

Response to substantial growth in grain imports and international price

Question 8

1928-29

Answer 8

Tariffs increased
Propaganda campaign to free Italy from ‘slavery of foreign bread’
Annual wheat growing competitions; farmers subsidised by government grants; fascists educated growers on new farming techniques, provided fertilisers, machinery and resistant seeds.

Question 9

1928-29 statistics

Answer 9

Grain production at 150% compared to 1914 in Northern and Central Italy
Self-sufficient by mid 1930’s
imports reduced

Question 10

wheat

Answer 10

produces more wheat; 5.39M tonnes to 7.27M tonnes (1925-35)

Question 11

farmers

Answer 11

famers in south removed olive trees, citrus fruit and vineyards for wheat (major exports for Italy stopped, Spain took these over)
Cattle and sheep farming reduced; affected diet, no competition, so prices increased

Question 12

costs

Answer 12

families paid 400 lire per year extra for food