Why Was Mussolini Appointed PM In 1922

Question 1

May 1921 Election

Answer 1

• Facists gained 35 seats and 7% of the popular vote
• Mussolini was now a Deputy
• Mussolini had succeeded in creating an alliance with Giolliti regarding an anti-socialist coalition

Question 2

Government instability

Answer 2

• Anti-socialist coalition collapsed after one month
• Popularity withdrew its support when Giolitti proposed tax cuts to the Vatican’s finance (107 Deputies)

Question 3

Collapse in Law and Order

Answer 3

• Squadrismio continued to attack and kill Socialists – assaulted in the Chamber of Deputies
• Mussolini did not have total loyal, but was unchallenged
• Nationalist Fascist Party (Oct 1921 legitimised the party *cohesive political force)
  o Mussolini formally accepted as leader of Facism a month later

Question 4

General Strike 1922

Answer 4

• Fascist response to socialist strike
• Over took public transport and postal systems – kept the strike minimal
• Violence used against those who protested
• Strike collapsed within days
• Mussolini impressed conservatives and middle classes – trusted and
  respected
  o DEFENDER OF LAW AND ORDER – Gained support

Question 5

March on Rome

Answer 5

• 27th October 1922 – Fascist squads seized towns, telephone exchanges and railway systems
• Failed in Milan and pisa
• 28th October - The King declared martial law and ordered the arrest of
  Mussolini
• 30th October – Mussolini appointed Prime minster