The March on Rome and its significance Flashcards
1 august 1922
Socialists call a general strike, poorly supported. Fascists claim this was due to their actions.
16 october 1922
Mussolini meets with other fascists who agree to plan takeover of government.
24 october 1922
Fascist Congress in Naples where Mussolini tells fascists that he will either be appointed PM or seize power.
27 october 1922
Fascists begin March on Rome, taking control of telephone exchanges, police stations and government offices in
northern Italy. Facta asks king to authorise army to stop fascists.
28 october 1922
2am, king agrees on martial law and Mussolini’s arrest is ordered.
29 october 1922
No other liberal politician able to gain support for government, king invites Mussolini to become PM.
30 october 1922
Mussolini arrives in Rome and officially meets with king to be sworn as PM.
31 october 1922
Victory parade held by squadristi who march through Rome.
significance of ras
Ras were pushing for a march on Rome and violent takeover, Mussolini still saw opportunity to be appointed PM
constitutionally as this would make him stronger as leader of Italy and in party.
significance of military response
He was unsure what the military response would be and knew squads would not be able to stand up to armed forces
if king decided to crush their uprising.
Mussolini’s speech in Naples
24 October: Mussolini made public speech in Naples to squadristi, ‘either we are allowed to govern or we will seize
power by Marching on Rome’ Mussolini continued talks with liberals about potential to form coalition government.
squadristi’s role
27 October: squadristi occupied government offices and telephone exchanges. Facta requested king to proclaim
martial law and use army to crush fascists.
state of emergency
28 October: king informed about growing takeover by fascists in Milan. Agreed with Facta’s request for declaration
of a state emergency and use of army to enforce martial law and stop fascists. Army began assuming control of
Milan and an order was drawn up for Mussolini’s arrest.
king changes his mind
28 October: 9am. King changed his mind and refused to sign decree and declare state of emergency.
