The March On Rome Flashcards
What cabinet posts were being negotiated by Mussolini?
Posts allocated to the Fascists
Mussolini was negotiating with Liberal factions regarding the allocation of cabinet posts to the Fascists.
What was Mussolini’s real ambition during the negotiations?
To be prime minister
Mussolini did not disclose his ambition to become prime minister while negotiating with the Liberal factions.
What action did Mussolini consider to keep his radical supporters happy?
Organising a coup d’état
Mussolini was under pressure from many Fascists to seize power, especially after the abortive general strike.
What event did Mussolini begin to organise in October?
A Fascist march on Rome
Mussolini increased pressure by planning a march to assert power and influence negotiations.
How many Fascists were planned to converge on Rome?
Around 30,000
The plan involved a significant number of Fascists to seize major towns and cities, culminating in an occupation of the capital.
What was the purpose of the Fascist march on Rome for Mussolini?
Political blackmail
Mussolini intended the march to pressure politicians into agreeing to his appointment as prime minister.
What did Mussolini reassure the establishment about the Fascist government?
That fascism and the monarchy could work together
Mussolini aimed to alleviate fears among the establishment regarding a Fascist government.
Fill in the blank: Mussolini believed he could achieve power without a _______.
Coup
Mussolini considered a coup necessary to satisfy his supporters and intimidate his political opponents.
What was Mussolini’s realization about the King?
Mussolini realized that the attitude of the King was critical, as he could order the army to crush fascism if he wished.
What actions did Fascist squads take on the night of 27 October?
Fascist squads seized town halls, telephone exchanges, and railway stations throughout northern Italy.
What did the government of Luigi Facta seek from the King on 28 October?
The government sought the King’s agreement to declare a state of siege.
What was King Victor Emmanuel III’s decision by 9 a.m. on 28 October?
He refused to authorize the declaration of martial law that would have sanctioned the use of force against the Fascists.
What did the King’s refusal to authorize martial law signify?
It signified that the King lacked confidence in his government and was anxious to avoid a violent showdown with Mussolini’s Fascists.
What are some theories about why King Victor Emmanuel made his decision?
He may have overestimated the number of Fascists marching on Rome and feared a civil war, or he may have feared that his cousin, the Duke of Aosta, a known Fascist sympathizer, was waiting to depose him.
What date did Mussolini become prime minister of Italy?
29 October
