The Rise of Mussolini (1919-26) Flashcards
What did Italy recieve in the peace conference post WW1?
- territory - Trentino, Trieste, Istria, the Brenner and some Dalmatian Islands
- a permanent seat in the newly formed League of Nations
- German war reparations
What did Italy not recieve in the peace conference post WW1?
their most wanted land - the port of Fiume and the Brenner Pass
What phrase was used by Italian Nationalists to describe the mistreatment of Italy by the Allies?
Mutilated Victory
What was the consequence of the Allies not giving Italy Fiume?
The poet and Nationalist, Gabriele D’Annunzio, led an invasion and seizure of Fiumme in September 1919.
How long did the occupation of Fiume last?
15 months
What did D’Annunzio introduce in Fiume that would later become parts of Fascist regimes?
- the militia
- the ‘Roman salute’
- the castor oil punishment for those who opposed them
- the title of ‘Duce’
- black shirts for those who supported the movement
- flamboyant rhetorical public speeches
What and when was the Treaty of Rapallo?
- Giolitti reached an agreement with Yugoslavia to declare Fiume an independent city.
What did the occupation of Fiume become a symbol of?
Nationalist defiance, the government’s reluctance to act and the slow speed with which it intervened damaged its credibility. Many were also critical of Giolitti’s actions, seeing them as unpatriotic.
What economic issues did Italy face post WW1?
- inflation had a huge impact on the cost of living, particularly in urban areas.
- businesses were affected when the military contracts were stopped
- this led to a rise in unemployment
- the savings of the middle class were badly damaged and they became even more disillusioned with the government
What job did many returning soldiers occupy?
Farming - they had profited from the war enough to be able to buy the land they farmed, because wartime food price inflation meant that they made more money from the food they sold.
Why was there an increase in militancy amongst urban workers after 1918?
Economic problems - there was a large increase in strikes in 1919-20, known as ‘Biennio Rosso’ or ‘Two Red Years’. In 1919 there were 1,663 strikes in industry.
Food riots caused by a sharp increase in food prices, spontaneously broke out in June 1919.
How did the government attempt to deal with the food riots in June 1919?
They ordered local authorities to set up food committees to requisition food and issued price decrees to halve the price of food.
What concessions did the government make in response to increasing socialist support and the pressure of the strikes?
- Introduced a minimum wage
- Established an eight hour working day
- Officially recognised factory grievance committees.
Why did the 1919 reforms cause discontent among the elites and middle classes?
Industrialists feared a loss of influence as well as a takeover of the country by the Socialist movement.
The middle class and petty bourgeoisie were also disenchanted because they were hit hard by the economic problems and often did not have unions to represent their interests. Due to inflation, their savings had lost value and they sawthe industrial workers gaining economically at their expense.
Why did the upper and middle class groups turn to fascism?
Because they believed that Fascist groups would protect their economic, social and political interests. (In response to 1919 reforms)
When did Italy recieve universal male suffrage, and who introduced it?
1918, Orlando
Why were all men given the vote in 1918?
It was meant to be a reward for soldiers who had fought in WW1.
When was proportional representation introduced into the Chamber of Deputies, and who introduced it?
1919, Nitti
Why did Nitti introduce proportional representation into the Chamber of Deputies in 1919?
He hoped it would weaken support for the more extreme political parties. He was wrong.
What was the main consequence of the adoption of universal suffrage?
It led to the emergence of two mass parties:
- The Socialists (PSI)
- Catholic Popolari Party (PPI)
How were the Socialists divided?
They were divided between the PSI, Socialist trade unions, and Socialist councils. These groups often failed to work together effectively, and after WWI the movement lacked a leader that could unify them.
What did Mussolini exploit regarding socialism?
The violence they were prepared to adopt to achieve their aims. So whilst this did gain the Socialists support, it also encouraged other Italians to support more extermist groups such as the Fascists - M exploited the fear of Socialism.
What was the main aim of the Popolari party (PPI)?
To improve the living standards of Italian peasants. They supported various social reforms, including the foundations of a welfare state.
Who were the PPI willing to enter a coalition with?
The Liberals, as long as they were granted more meaninful concessions.
