Was fascism's rise to power due to Mussolini's leadership

Question 1

Taking advantage of political unrest

Answer 1

• By summer 1922, Mussolini had the power to take over the govt, although still unsure as to how to achieve it.
• AUGUST 13 = PNF congress approved his efforts to win power by peaceful, rather than violent, means. So, firstly aimed for new elections to increase Fascist rep in the Chamber of Deputies, giving greater weight to his demands for power.
• Facta’s new govt appeared delicate and it was expected that a new coalition would be formed under one of the experienced leaders such as Giolitti, Salandra or Orlando.
• Some of his coalition favoured the inclusion of Fascists and dominated the congress of liberal politicans, stating its intention of steering ‘firmly to the right and accommodating the Fascists.

Question 2

What entailed the dual policy

Answer 2

• Encouraged the violence of the street squads, making it seem as though he gave his full endorsement. However, when addressing Conservatives, he condemned the actions of the street squads, and that by giving more power he could keep them under control.
• Adopted the dual policy to curtail the level of street violence, without losing the support of extreme elements of his party, as he feared it would be detrimental to his political position and legitimacy - since the police/army still could destroy the Fascists.

Question 3

Role of King Victor Emmanuel VII

Why was he an obstacle to Mussolini?

Answer 3

• Uninterested in promoting the fascists, despite many of his advisors being sympathetic to their cause.
• Weak and indecisive man whose decision-making was influenced by other factors: Lacked confidence in PM Facta to control the situation and was encouraged to not sign the decree by Salandra, believing that Facta’s resignation would allow him to be PM in the fascist coalition.

Question 4

Role of King Victor Emmanuel VII

Idea of a coalition

Answer 4

• By mid-Sept 1922, most of northern Italy was under Fascist control through their domination of local govt, but could tackle the problems of unemployment and strikes easier if PNF controlled national govt.
• Giolitti was the one politician with enough support and experience to prevent a violent Fascist takeover. By early October, almost completed negotiations for Giolitti to form a new multi-party coalition govt, inc. the Fascists, before calling for fresh elections in the spring.
• HOWEVER - Mussolini would only join if it were formed before parli reassembled and elections were held sooner than spring. As the Chamber wouldn’t meet until 7th Nov and Facta feared his own ability to cope with the PNF Congress, he urged Giolitti to act quickly.

Question 5

March on Rome 1922 and its’ significance

How was Mussolini in a difficult position?

Answer 5

Ras pushed for a March on Rome and a more violent govt takeover while Mussolini saw an opportunity to be appointed constitutionally, giving him a stronger position as the leader of Italy and the PNF. Especially as he feared a military response in case the king ordered a crushing of the uprising.

Question 6

March on Rome

March on Rome

Mussolini’s speech on Oct 24

Answer 6

• Spoke to the squadristi in Milan, asserting ‘either we govern, or we will seize power by Marching on Rome’, whilst continuing talks with liberal politicans about forming a coalition.
• So, the the fascist squads moved on Rome from October 27th. Facta requested the king declare martial law and use the army to crush fascist insurrection. On Oct 28th, king agreed and declared a state of emergency and martial law to stop the fascists, ordering Mussolini’s arrest.
• BUT King changed his mind the following day by refusing to sign the decree.

Question 7

Mussolini’s appointment as PM

Factors of Mussolini’s appointment

Answer 7

• Without the king’s support, Facta resigned.
• Helped by the disagreements between liberal politicans seeking power (Salandra, Gio and Orlando all wished to be PM, but their hatred of e/o meant they recommended Mussolini).
• Appointed Mussolini on October 29th 1922 and asked him to form govt.

Question 8

Mussolini’s appointment of power

March on Rome myth

Answer 8

• Desired a stronger myth about how he acquired power through the ‘strengths of squads’.
• 50,000 fascists arrived in Rome and on the 31st October they were allowed a victory parade but there was little to no violence (only 13 in San Lorenzo district).
• However, the myth was a powerful idea that he perpetuated through speeches and anniversary celebrations during his time in power.
• ISSUE of PM = headed the coalition govt and only a minority of his cabinet was fascists.