The Creation of a Fascist Dictatorship 1922-26 Flashcards
What did Mussolini rely on in October 1922?
And why?
He relied on parliamentary support.
This was because he was still in a vulnerable position when he gained power.
What did Mussolini do on the 16th of November 1922?
He delivered a controversial speech at the Chamber of Deputies.
What did Mussolini’s speech indicate?
It Indicated the Fascists were prepared to close parliament and demand full powers that would allow Mussolini to govern by himself.
He promised to uphold constitutional liberties but made it clear he could dissolve the Chamber whenever he saw fit.
How did the Italian Deputies respond to Mussolini’s promises and threats?
They granted him the powers he wanted for one year.
After becoming PM who did Mussolini try to exert more control over?
The PNF and the squadristi. He wanted to end the violence of the Ras and the Squadristi and return to normal, constitutional methods.
Who and how did Mussolini win over other groups?
He made concessions to the Catholic Church and passed measures favourable to industrialists and landowners.
What did Mussolini need to do with squadristi?
He needed to keep their support but also keep them under control.
How did Mussolini keep the squadristi under control?
He created the Fascist Militia (MSVN) in January 1923 to ‘defend the Fascist revolution’.
What was the makeup of the MSVN?
The MSVN consisted of 300,000 blackshirts and Mussolini was head of the organisation so he could control them easily.
Did the MSVN hold any political power?
They had no real political power but served mainly to strengthen Mussolini’s control over the Fascist movement.
What did Mussolini create in December 1922?
And Why?
The Fascist Grand Council to reassure leading Fascists of their significance.
What was the Fascist Grand Council?
It was to act as a consultive committee where Fascist leaders would meet to discuss political issues.
What were the two purposes of the Fascist Grand Council for Mussolini?
He could exert his control over leading members of the Fascist movement.
The Grand Council was designed to discuss policy before it was sent to parliament for approval. This meant new policy was created by the Fascist party, not the elected parliament.
How much did PNF membership grow?
It grew from 300,000 in October 1922 to 783,000 by the end of 1923
Why were there so many new members?
And how did this growth in membership help Mussolini?
New members want the patronage the PNF could offer, they weren’t necessarily believers.
This growth helped Mussolini dilute the more radical elements of the Fascist movement.
