The creation of a Facsist Dictatorship 1922-26 Flashcards
What were the limitations to Mussolini’s power after being sworn in as PM 30 October 1922
- Squads demanding further revolution
- Only 35 fascist deputies in parliament – no majority
- PSI still dominated with 123 seats
- Cabinet included 4 liberals, 2 members of the PPI, 1 ANI member and 2 members of the military
- Still a King
What are the 4 ways Mussolini was able to increase his power
- Mistakes made by political opponents
- Threats and use of violence
- Mussolini’s ability to control parliament
- Mussolini’s control of the PNF
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What was Mussolini’s awareness regarding a completely Fascist government?
- Mussolini was aware that a completely Fascist government was not yet possible due to the lack of a majority and the King’s refusal to dissolve parliament.
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What was the composition of Mussolini’s first government?
- Mussolini’s first government contained 14 senior ministers, of whom only 4 were Fascists;
- the majority were Liberal and Popolari
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What was the perception of Fascism’s ideology?
- Many thought that Fascism lacked a coherent ideology or set of policies and would not last long
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What positions did Mussolini appoint himself to?
Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What did Mussolini attempt to persuade MPs regarding dictatorial powers?
He attempted to persuade MPs that granting him dictatorial powers would be in the interests of Italy.
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What argument did Mussolini use to convince MPs about extraordinary measures?
He tried to convince MPs that the breakdown of law and order was so serious that extraordinary measures were required.
Increasing Power 1922 – 24
What was the belief of most MPs about Mussolini until late 1924?
- Most MPs remained convinced that Mussolini could be ‘transformed’ into a traditional, even respectable, PM until it was too late as a dictatorship had already been establishhed
What did Mussolini demand from Parliament regarding his rule?
Rule by Decree - He demanded that Parliament grant him the right to rule for 12 months to create new laws without consulting them
Arugably why else were the mergency powers approved
Parliament approved emergency powers as they wanted a year of calm
How did Mussolini persuade MPs to support his rule in December 1922 via his Maiden speech to parliament. (16 Nov 1922)
- told deputies he required a year of emergency powers
- He persuaded MPs in a speech emphasizing the military strength of Fascism while reassuring them he would not overthrow the state or implement anything too radical
- Warned plt that he had 300,000 young men ready to take violent action against deputies who would not support him (approved year-long emergency powers 306 to 116)
What was the outcome of the rule by decree?
MPs gave a massive vote of confidence, with only the Socialists and Communists opposing the motion.
What did Mussolini establish in December 1922?
- the Fascist Grand Council was created to discuss key policy
- giving himself the right to make all appointments to the Council, which centralised his power
National Militia and control of the PNF
What did Mussolini aim to achieve regarding the violence of the Ras and squadristi?
Mussolini wanted to end the violence and return to normal constitutional political methods.
National Militia and control of the PNF
Who was made party secretary ?
Farinacci
National Militia and control of the PNF
What significant change did Mussolini implement in January 1923?
He converted the Fascist squads into a national militia (MSVN) paid for by the state.
National Militia and control of the PNF
What was the size of Mussolini’s private army after the conversion to national militia?
Mussolini had a private army of 300,000 men, all of whom pledged their alleignace to Mussolini
National Militia and control of the PNF
What happened to the Ras within the PNF?
More than 200 Ras were expelled from the party.
National Militia and control of the PNF
How did PNF membership change from October 1922 to the end of 1923?
Membership grew from 300,000 to 783,000.
Why did Mussolini convert the Fascist swuads into national militia
- to support army and police. (strengthened his control at expense of ras)
- MVSN enabled M. to bring end to violence –> felt it was detrimental to support among liberal elites and middle classes
- to reduce the influence of provincial fascist leaders
- to dilute the more radical elements of fascism
Support from Powerful Groups
What organization did Mussolini persuade to support his premiership by early 1923?
He persuaded the Confindustria, representing big business, to support his premieship.
Support from Powerful Groups
How did Mussolini gain support from the Church?
He banned contraception and made religious education compulsory in schools.
Electoral reform
What was the Acerbo Law?
- It proposed that the party winning the most votes would get two-thirds of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
What was Mussolini’s claim regarding the Acerbo Law?
He claimed it would avoid weak coalitions that had cost Italy dearly in the past.
What arguments might Mussolini have given the public for introducing this law? Do you think they would be the real reasons?
- Would bring more stability to Italy by guaranteeing a stronger and more long-lasting government that could finally put in place the policies Italy needed
How did the passing of the Acerbo Law contribute to Mussolini’s consolidation of power?
- Encouraged Mussolini to call an election for 6 April 1924
- Ensured that he had overwhelming support in parliament without having to win more than 1⁄4 of all
What was the outcome of the Acerbo Law once it became law?
The Fascists and their supporters would have a large majority of MPs, making it virtually impossible to vote them out of power.
What happened with electoral reform in July 1923
the law secured a huge majority when it was debated in July 1923.
