Why did fascist ideology change 1919-22?

Question 1

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-expansionism/ darwinism

Answer 1

• Expansionism (their power is inevitable) / Darwinism (survival of the fittest): the Fascists preached the importance of Italy’s power, believing it was key to their success

Question 2

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-imperialism

Answer 2

• The Fascists believed that to show true power and have influence, Italy would need to have control over a large amount of land
  As a result, Italy decided to invade Abyssinia / Ethiopia in 1935

Question 3

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-millitarism

Answer 3

• they believe that war shows strength and courage

Question 4

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-collectivism

Answer 4

• Collectivism (people must work together to fulfil the needs of the state)

Question 5

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-totalitarianism

Answer 5

• The Fascists believed that a strong, stable country was only possible with absolute rule
• They wanted a strong dictator in place as the ruler

Question 6

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-nationalism

Answer 6

• the Fascists believed in Nationalism, and wanted a large empire and military for national pride

Question 7

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-heroism

Answer 7

• Fascism does not believe in actions influenced by an economic motive

Question 8

Explain the key features of fascist ideology
-anti-communist

Answer 8

• the Fascists do not believe that solving class struggles can contribute to a better society

Question 9

One of the factors which made Fascism more appealing was the Fascist Party’s …………..

Answer 9

evolving policies

Question 10

What was the evolution of the fascists mandate on suffrage

Answer 10

• June 1919 - Fascists supported a republic with universal male and female suffrage,
• November 1921, they committed their political structure ideology to ensure Italy’s historic destiny

Question 11

Why did the fascists change their political structure

Answer 11

• This is because following the Biennio Rosso (a period of political instability), their main focus was to form a strong and stable government.

Question 12

What was the change in religious policy by the fascists

Answer 12

• Secondly, in June 1919, they proposed the confiscation of religious properties,
• but by November 1921, they were no longer focusing on this element

Question 13

Why did the fascsists change religious policy by the fascists

Answer 13

• By November 1921, they had realised that religion was a large factor in Italian Politics, and wished to garner the support of the Church and Catholics

Question 14

What was the changing fascist view on foreign policy

Answer 14

Thirdly, in June 1919, they had a ‘peaceful’ foreign policy,
but in November 1921, their focus was complete Italian unification with a major role in the Mediterranean

Question 15

Why did fascist foreign policy change

Answer 15

• This is because Italy was enraged by their treatment at the Paris Peace Conference, and businesses were seeking to expand

Question 16

Explain the initial economic policy of the fascists in June 1919

Answer 16

• their programme included heavy and progressive taxes on capital,
• the confiscation of unproductive income,
• the nationalization of all arms and munitions factories
• & the confiscation of 85% of profits from wars

Question 17

Explain the economic policy of the fascists by November 1921

Answer 17

• they had changed to proportional taxes,
• privatising firms
• &encouraging national wealth with individuals in mind

Question 18

Over time, the Fascists changed their policies in order to…. garner more support.
As a result of their change of policies, they were able to attain….. a wider support group from the Italian population.

Answer 18

• Over time, the Fascists changed their policies in order to…. **garner more support. **
  As a result of their change of policies, they were able to attain….. a wider support group from the Italian population

Question 19

Was the fascist party the ideal party for the people of Italy

Answer 19

• On the one hand, the policies outlined by the fascist party are in favour of certain groups
• On the other hand, the fascist party are unreliable

Question 20

Explain how the fascist party were unreliable

Answer 20

• The change in their policies from 1919 to 1921 which show that they have inconsistent policies
• Their policies are changed according to the political climate of that time, so it is irresponsible to believe that the policies that are attracting support, will still be in place in the next few years

Question 21

What would business men support in Mussolini’s economic policy

Answer 21

privatisation –> allow them to invest and amass more wealth
complete unification for Italy and increasing production —> increase their wealth and the country’s income

Question 22

Ho would the fascist economic polcies help the economy

Answer 22

• The policies of the Fascists would allow businesses to recover from WW1 with the introduction of an 8 hour day with exceptions for agricultural or industrial requirements, the privatisation of firms and proportional taxes, thus favouring businessmen

Question 23

What would capitalists & businessmen support

Answer 23

• In 1919, Capitalists and Businessmen would support the confiscation of all property belonging to religious organizations as it would mean they could purchase more properties

Question 24

The 1919 Policy of Universal Suffrage would be popular among ………, but there are…………………. November 1921 programme.

Answer 24

The 1919 Policy of Universal Suffrage would be popular among women, but there are no favouring policies in their November 1921 programme.

Question 25

What would workers be attracted to in Mussolini’s policy

Answer 25

• 1919 - eight-hour working day and guaranteed minimum wage policy and the proposal of workers’ participation in the management of industry through the National Councils of Labour
• Comparatively, by 1921, there was less for them to be excited about, but taxes being proportional to income could be seen as a benefit

Question 26

By 1921, the Church would ………. of the Fascist Party as it agreed……

Answer 26

By 1921, the Church would approve of the Fascist Party as it agreed not to interfere with Church property.

Question 27

• As of 1919, the Bourgeoisie would be interested in the …………………… as they would not want to……..
• This is linked to a foreign policy of……

Answer 27

• As of 1919, the Bourgeoisie would be interested in the abolition of obligatory military service as they would not want to** experience the horrors of WW1 (family deaths).**
• This is linked to a foreign policy of **peaceful competition among civilized nations. **

Question 28

By 1921, the Bourgeoisie would prefer………………… rather than the 1919 policy of progressive taxation.

Answer 28

By 1921, the Bourgeoisie would prefer proportional taxation rather than the 1919 policy of progressive taxation.

Question 29

Finally, all would appreciate….

Answer 29

• freedom of opinion and conscience