The role of Victor Emmanuel III

Question 1

personality

Answer 1

Weak, indecisive man whose decision was influenced by many factors.

Question 2

facta

Answer 2

Lacked confidence in Facta to control situation.

Question 3

salandra

Answer 3

• Encouraged by Salandra and supporters to not sign decree (believed Facta’s
  resignation would make Salandra PM).

Question 4

fear of military

Answer 4

• May have feared the military would side with fascists (army chiefs promised
  king they would follow his orders but could not guarantee if soldiers would
  stay loyal when asked to shoot fascists).

Question 5

bloodshed

Answer 5

• May have been deterred by idea of bloodshed across Italy.

Question 6

cousin

Answer 6

• King’s cousin, Duke of Aosta, was a fascist supporter and Mussolini hinted if
  fascists took over, Victory Emmanuel could be replaced by his taller, stronger
  and ‘more manly’ cousin.