The Fascist State 1925 - 40

Question 1

Why was Mussolini prepared to comprise with the Catholic Church in the mode 1920s?

Answer 1

Catholic Church held a lot of power. eg presets in local areas, much of the population was Catholic, especially in rural areas,had educational and financial connections. Agreement with and backing from the church would look favourable.

Question 2

What were relations with Catholics before 1922?

Answer 2

Popolari Party (PPI) had been running against fascists and formed anti-fascist coalitions.

Question 3

What tensions costed with the church when Mussolini had come to power?

Answer 3

Continued existence of Catholic trades unions, education conflicts (Mussolini wanted to indoctrinate) and clash of ONB and Catholic Action.

Question 4

What had Mussolini’s previous Kew been of the church?

Answer 4

Originally been fervent critic (anti-clerical policies in 1919 programme). Committed atheist. Believed Catholicism was respnsible for holding back modernisation. Catholics saw fascists as a threat to social stability.

Question 5

Why did the Catholic Church and Mussolini have reasons t collaborate?

Answer 5

They both hated the sociaists

Question 6

What financial policies did Mussolini introduce in his early power to improve relations with theCatholic church?

Answer 6

1923 helped save the nearly bankrupt Bank of Rome, which managed assets oof Catholic Church. Used state funding.
CLergy salaries increased and exempt from taxation.
Granted 3 million lira to restore a aged churches.

Question 7

What educational policies did Mussolini introduce in the early 1920s to i more relations with the Catholics?

Answer 7

Crucifix restored in Italian courtroom and classrooms.
Religious education reinstated into elementary school.
University of the Sacred Heart (Catholic in Milan) given official recognition

Question 8

What enforcements did Mussolini make to appease the Catholic Church?

Answer 8

Tightened laws regarding divorce, abrotion impossible, gambling and heavy drinking discouraged, wearing short skirts and makeup discouraged. Also had children baptised.

Question 9

What was Mussolini and the Church’s position by 1926?

Answer 9

Mussolini in stronger position (had established dictatorship). Gt PPI to dissolve and entered formal negotiation with the church to resolve the relationship between the church and the state.

Question 10

When were the Lateran Pacts agreed and what did these resolve?

Answer 10

1929, end to conflict that had existed since unification in the 1870s since which church had refused to recognise the political legitimacy of united Italy.

Question 11

What three elements did the pacts contain?

Answer 11

• Vatican City as independent state, pope recognised as head of this state and Catholicism recognised as sole faith of the nation
• Financial compensation of 750 million lira
• Concordat signed, remain separate. Catholic Church could approve textbooks for schools

Question 12

What were the other aspects of the Lateran Pacts?

Answer 12

Catholic Church had right to censor books, Catholic Action recognised as offficial organisation (only non-fascist organisation to have this position). Pope agreed clergy wouldn’t join political parties.

Question 13

What was the success of the Lateran pacts for Mussolini?

Answer 13

Solved over 60 years of conflict. Presented him as great statesman. Recused anti-fascist activity. Referendum held in 1929 showed overwhelming support (popular policy). Although, meant couldn’t be a completely fasicit revolution. (Over 90% of Italians were Catholic)

Question 14

What shared values did fascism and Catholicism have?

Answer 14

Desire for stability and order, discipline, respect for hierarchy, hostility towards liberal values, primary role of women as mothers.

Question 15

How did Catholics and fascists cross over?

Answer 15

Catholic priests participated in ONB, many became active members in fascism, priests and PNF officials cooperated in campaigning against decaentfilms and short skirts. Slogan ‘for pope and duce’. Catholic clergy gave fascist salutes

Question 16

What forein policy di the Catholic Church agree with in 1936?

Answer 16

To participate in the Spanish civil war, felt Catholic Spain was threatened by socialism so supported the backing of Franco and nationalists.
Also supported colonisation in North Africa as they could spread Catholicism.

Question 17

How many priests supported a protest letter in 1930 condemning the Archbishop of Milan for openly supporting fascism?

Answer 17

300

Question 18

Why were there church state tensions in 1931?

Answer 18

Fascists went against the Lateran Pacts and attempted to suppress Catholic Action, including press campaigns. Led to Pope publishing the ‘We have no need’ encyclical.

Question 19

What was the outcome of the enclycial?

Answer 19

Catholic action restricted to religious, educational and recreational activities. Fascists couldn’t persecute Catholic schools or university.

Question 20

How much did Catholic action membership crease 1930 to 1939?

Answer 20

250,000 to 388,000

Question 21

When and what Di Pope Pius XI say about anti semitic laws before their implementation?

Answer 21

1937, criticised Germany for anti-semitism. Warned gov not to introduce them in Italy. Although, Catholic Church more interested in protecting Catholic Action

Question 22

When did Mussolini introduce race laws?

Answer 22

1938, despite the fact there were 10,000 Jewish members of the PNF. Included expulsion from the PNF, banned from state schools,excluded from the military and banking and foreing Jews were expelled etc

Question 23

How were the press involved in the Jewish and Catholic treatment?

Answer 23

tried to convince population Jews were a different race. Attacked Church and Pope after they publicly spoke out against the laws. Although, anti-semitism prevelat in some aspects of the Catholic Church.