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