The creation of the Fascist dictatorship Flashcards
What were the mistakes made by political opponents that allowed Mussolini to seize power?
- In February 1923 the ANI absorbed into the Fascist party and made the PNF the only party representing Italian nationalism- Mussolini gained trust of the Catholic church by increasing clerical pay and reinstating crucifixes in school classrooms
- PPI member Stefano Cavazzoni appointed minister of work and welfare and encouraged the party to collaborate with the PNF
How did the threats and use of violence help to strengthen the dictatorship?
- Mussolini speech to parliament on the 16 November 1922 where he told deputies that he required a year of emergency powers and warned parliament that there were 300,000 young men ready to take violent action against deputies who did not agree
- the year long emergency powers were approved 306 to 116
his speech was a good example of threats of violence that were successful partnered with parliaments willingness to work with him
Hoe did Mussolini’s control of the PNF help to solidify the dictatorship?
- In December 1922 the Fascist Grand Council was created to discuss the key policies and elevate fascist leadership (Italo Balbo and Emilio de Bono)
- helped Mussolini overcome his weakness in the cabinet and undermine liberal institutions
- Mussolini had sole ability to appoint FGC members and centralised his power over the party
- in January 1923 the MVSN absorbed into all the squadristi and formalised role as party based force to support army and police
- 300,000 pledged allegiance to to Mussolini
- the MVSN enabled Mussolini to bring end to violence as the liberals and middle class elite disapproved of a violent government
How did the antifascist deputies respond to the Matteotti Crisis?
on the 13 June, around 100 antifascist deputies left parliament, claiming that the government was unconstitutional and established their own parliament known as the Aventine Succession
Why was the Aventine Succession unsuccessful?
The Aventine deputies could not agree on what to do and offered no threat to Mussolini
Destroyed any chance of parliament winning a vote of no confidence/winning a vote to dismiss Mussolini
How did the Aventine Succession help Mussolini?
The protesting deputies not being present in parliament meant that it was easier for Mussolini to pass legislation as they were not there to vote against it
Who did Mussolini’s government appeal to and why?
The King, the Pope, the army and business and political elites were attracted to the strong, right-wing anticommunist government and they had no interest in a change of leader
In what ways did Mussolini bow to the pressures of the MVSN?
The army demanded that Mussolini order the PNF to cease all forms of violence, remove any ministers that did not follow orders, made officers of the MVSN swear an oath of loyalty to the King as well as to Mussolini and confirmed that all MVSN officers would be ex-army regulars.
How did Salandra’s support effect Mussolini?
Mussolini was concerned that Salandra could influence the king as Salandra and his group of liberals were on the point of leaving the coalition which would have had a dramatic effect on opinion in the court as well as the country at large
How did Mussolini consolidate power after he announced his personal dictatorship on the 2nd of January 1925?
On the 12th of January, Mussolini created a new cabinet without most of the Liberal politicians and took on the role of the PM, Minister for war, navy, foreign affairs and aviation.
In February he appointed Farinacci with the task of removing radicals and he increased membership from 6000000 to 938000
