The fascist state, 1925–40 Flashcards
What was the corporate state?
“ A “third” way of running the economy”
This was the idea to maximise production for Italy
No disputes regarding payment - everyone supposedly equal for the benefit of Italy
Positives of the Corporate State
- Jobs for loyal fascists
- Fascist officials were in high ranking roles giving Mussolini control
- No Strikes
- Excellent propaganda
Negatives of Corporate State
- More propaganda than policy
- Class differences supposedly “evaporating”
What and why was the battle for births?
In 1927, Mussolini wanted to introduce incentives to boost the population.
He wanted to do this in order to build the military, economy and all round make Italy more of a power.
What was the battle for grain?
In 1925, the battle for grain was the idea to mobilise the nation into being self sufficient with its own high levels of food production - it encouraged mass farming.
Successes of the battle for grain?
There was a 50% rise in wheat production and Italy became self sufficient for grain.
Failures of the battle for grain?
More valuable fruit crops declined in production as they couldn’t be mass produced as easy.
Fertilisers still had to be imported
The south was left the same due to a lack of subsidisation.
What was the battle for Lira?
In 1922, they wanted to revalue the lira to make it more highly valuable against the pound.
The government became in control of finances and development of the economy rather than banks.
Because Mussolini thought a strong lira reflected a strong Italy
Strengths of the battle for Lira?
Cheaper imports - this benefitted the rearmament and raw materials such as coal or steel.
Big business boomed
Weaknesses of the battle for Lira?
Exports became too expensive
Small businesses were struggling
Wages fell more than prices, so the lower class struggled.
What was the Battle for Marshes?
In 1928, Mussolini wanted to ruralise the Italian people, moving them away from the cities.
Clearing the marshes to create room for farmland - reclaimed over 500,000 hectares.
Strengths of the battle for marshes?
Reduced unemployment
Decreased disease, particularly malaria
Development of houses, roads and aqueducts.
What was the idea of the Battle of Births?
Boost population and therefore
Military
Economy
Italy in general
- Contraception was banned and women employed more as cheap labour force
What was the Corporate State 1925?
Third way of running the economy
Workers and employers “cooperating” to maximise production for Italy
There would be no disputes regarding pay, employees or to improve production as the corporate state would be simply for the benefit of Italy
What were the successes of the 1925 Corporate State?
Shielded Italy from Great Depression
Excellent propaganda
No strikes
Jobs for loyal fascists
Fascists officials in high ranking jobs - Mussolini was in control
What were the failures of the 1925 Corporate State?
More propaganda then policy
Class differences “evaporated”
What was the 1927 Battle of Births?
Idea of a larger population boosting:
Military, Economy & All round stronger Italy
What were the failures of the 1927 Battle of Births?
Contraception banned
Big businesses continued to keep women employed as they were cheaper
What were the successes of the 1927 Battle of Births?
Birth rate increased
What was the 1925 Battle for Grain?
The idea to mobilise the population into becoming self-sufficient with its own high levels of grain production.
Encouraged farming
What were the successes of the 1925 Battle for Grain?
Farming companies benefited - encouraged farming
50% rise in wheat production
Self sufficient for grain
What were the failures of the 1925 Battle for Grain?
Valuable fruit crops declined in production
Had to still import fertilisers
Quality of Italian edit declined
Very reliant on food imports
Government did not give the south enough subsidisation, meaning it had no affect here
What was the Battle for Lira October 1922?
Strong Lira reflected a strong Italy - Mussolini
Lira revalued to be more highly valuable against the pound
Government became in control of finances and development of the economy
What were the successes of the 1922 Battle for Lira?
Cheaper imports benefitting steel, chemical & rearmament
Big businesses boomed
