Fascism & Mussolini

Fascism Defined

An extreme form of nationalism that favors an all-powerful government.

Fascist states almost always have totalitarian governments run by dictators.

Totalitarianism Defined

The idea that a dictator should control all aspects of citizens’ lives.

Under totalitarianism, people are allowed few freedoms. Books, radio, film, art, and schools are used to promote the government’s ideas.

Communism Versus Fascism

Communism = Government tries to create a society without class distinctions or private wealth.

Fascism = Government supports idea of private property and class structure. Focuses on making nation powerful on an international scale.

Government Terms Review

Can you tell these terms apart?

• Totalitarianism• Dictatorship• Fascism• Autocracy• Communism• Socialism• Democracy• Republic

Problems in Italy

• Italy wasn’t happy with Peace of Paris• Economy bad:

• No work for many• Workers went on strike• Peasants revolted• Value of lira declined (inflation)• Price of food went up

Benito Mussolini(1883-1945)

Mussolini Comes to Power

• Formed Fascist part in Italy in 1919• Supported the striking workers in 1920• In 1921, made many promises:

• Would protect wealthy• Jobs and benefits for all workers• Would make Italy glorious again

• In 1922, Mussolini gained control• Blackshirts used violence to intimidate• Fascists “Marched on Rome”• King made Mussolini prime minister

Mussolini Addressing the Italian People

Mussolini’s New Government

• In 1924, Fascists overtook the parliament• Mussolini now reorganized the government• Created a corporate state

Corporate State = Workers and employers work together in syndicates (one for each industry) to set economic policies for the nation.

Mussolini’s Effect on Italy

• Most Italians supported Mussolini• Called Mussolini “IL Duce” (the Leader)• Blackshirts suppressed critics• Built up armed forces• Solved unemployment• Inspired patriotism• Made the trains run on time?• Made peace with the Catholic Church

• Lateran Accords1929

MussoliniPropaganda

Mussolini Inspects the Italian Army

Mussolini and Hitler

Fascism in Spain

FranciscoFranco

Republican Propaganda

Republican Propaganda

Soviet Tank In Spain

Communist Propaganda

Communist Propaganda

Picassco: Guerncia , 1937

Picasso, Guernica

Guernica