Post on 26-Dec-2015
Rise of Italian Fascism
Q: Why did fascism emerge in Italy?
• Italy in World War I
• Casualties
• Economic Crisis
• Rise of the left
• National goals not met
Italia Irredenta
Benito Mussolini
Fascism
- Ultra nationalism
- Highly militaristic
- Anti-democratic
- Hatred for communism and socialism
- Glorifies mythical past
- Corporate state
Fasces
Which italians would find fascist ideas appealing?
• Business owners and managers
• Land owners
• Displaced soldiers
• Nationalistic working class
Q: What methods did Mussolini use to gain support for his movement?
Squadistri “Black Shirts”
March on Rome
What would Mussolini need to do to consolidate his support?
• What elements of power did he not yet hold?
• Which groups or institutions in Italian society would he need to deal with in order to be unchallenged?
• What methods could he use?
Political actions:
•Acerbo Law• - 25% of popular vote = 2/3 of
seats in parliament
•Single Party State (ban other parties)
•State media and censorship
•OVRA secret police
Matteotti incident
Building a fascist society
Lateran Treaty