The Impact of Mussolini's relationship with Hitler

Question 1

What was the stance on anti-Semitism in Italian fascism prior to 1937?

Answer 1

• There had been little to no anti-Semitic rhetoric, and Italian fascism had no particular focus on race.

Question 2

What did Mussolini believe a harsher policy towards Jews would achieve?

Answer 2

Mussolini believed it would help create a more militaristic nation, united in its hatred towards both internal and external enemies

Question 3

Domestic Tensions

There is no doubt that unrest with the regime was becoming more prominent in the late 19….s
The euphoria of ………. had only been short term and the domestic and foreign policy direction of the fascists was …….

Answer 3

There is no doubt that unrest with the regime was becoming more prominent in the late 1930s. The euphoria of** Abyssinia** had only been short term and the domestic and foreign policy direction of the fascists was heightening concern among the population.

Question 4

Domestic Tensions

The Anschluss made many Italians …….

Answer 4

fearful

Question 5

Domestic Tensions

Between 1935 and 1939, increased military spending accounted for around….

Answer 5

80% of the growing deficit

Question 6

Domestic Tensions

There was a squeeze on……………. and savings to pay for growing government spending.

Answer 6

middle-class incomes

Question 7

Domestic Tensions

The Battle for Grain led to a worsening ….. among the Italian population.

Answer 7

diet

Question 8

Domestic Tensions

Italy’s economy became increasingly reliant on ……

Answer 8

Germany

Question 9

Domestic Tensions

Describe one of the most hated Italian-German policies

Answer 9

• February 1939 - a new commercial treaty between Italy and Germany
• Italian workers were transferred to Germany, with 500,000 being transferred by 1945
• These Italian workers were often treated poorly by the Germans, who looked down on them
• To many, this confirmed Mussolini’s weakness compared to Hitler

Question 10

Domestic Tensions

What was most of the population’s outlook on the reform of customs

Answer 10

• The ‘reform of customs’ was unpopular, and ridiculed as a pointless exercise simply copied off the Germans
• Most chose to ignore it
• Slightly worrying sign of Italy’s growing weakness and subordination to German policy

Question 11

Domestic Tensions

By 1939, what was the struggle of the Cult of Il Duce

Answer 11

• Mussolini was 55 and had been in power for 17 years by
• 1939;
• the image of the youthful, dynamic dictator as portrayed in the cult of il Duce was becoming harder to sustain

Question 12

Domestic Tensions

Explain the reasons why domestic tensions not be exaggerated - opposition?

Answer 12

• There is no evidence that antifascist groups were growing
• &
• Mussolini was still popular, even if the fascist party itself was not
• even so, the police was still functioning effectively

Question 13

Domestic Tensions

Explain the reasons why domestic tensions not be exaggerated - generational logic

Answer 13

• By 1939, three was a whole generation of Italians who had grown up with no other leader, and so saw no alternative to the fascist regime