Italy Rise of the Mussolini Mr. Meester AP European History

Post-War Italy Like other countries that had fought in the World War, Italy had suffered greatly and gained little. Its economy, weak before the war, relied on small family agriculture which contributed 40% of the country’s GNP in 1920. Many of the social, political, and economic problems of the country after the war could not be blamed solely on the war itself.

Changes in Italian Politics The Italian public looked to the parties that offered the most reasonable solutions. Universal suffrage and proportional representation in Chamber of Deputies lead to new parties Socialists doubled their number of seats to 156 Had little faith in the current state and longed for its downfall The new Catholic People’s Party gained 99 seats. Mixed conservative religious ideals with a desire for political moderation. No strong majority coalition emerged that was able to deal with the country's problems.

Giovanni Giolitti Italy’s Premier was Giovanni Giolitti, a gifted musician and pre-war figure who had dominated Italian politics He tried to resolve Italy’s international conflicts and stay out of the domestic conflicts. Made the country's problems worse. The Socialists promoted a series of strikes and other labor unrest in 1920. The unrest became violent and divided the country and the Socialist Party. Giolitti let the strikes run their course and lowered the government’s deficit by 50%.

Benito Mussolini He went to Switzerland to avoid military service but returned and became active in Socialist politics. In 1912 he became editor of the Party’s newspaper, Avanti. After the outbreak of the World War, he broke with the party over involvement in the war. Began preaching nationalistic ideas that became the nucleus of his fascist movement.

Mussolini After the War Mussolini was drafted into military service in 1915 and was badly wounded two years later. He went back to his newspaper, where he blended his ideas of socialism and nationalism. He formed the Fascio di Combattmento (Union of Combat) in Milan in 1919. Initially, Mussolini had few followers but as the fear of socialism spread, he gained support. Began to believe that only Mussolini could bring stability and prosperity back to Italy.

The Growth of Fascism Fascism grew during the Socialist unrest in 1920. Backed by wealthy industrialists, Mussolini's Squadristi (Blackshirts) attacked Socialists, and soon the government. Fascists won 35 seats in 1921, (End of Giolitti) Fascist strength was in the streets of northern Italy, which was controlled through violence. Mussolini’s movement became the Fascist Party, he dropped his socialist views, and began to emphasize Italian nationalism.

Mussolini’s Blackshirts

The March on Rome In 1922, the Fascists gained control of the cities of Milan and Bologna. Socialist leaders called for nationwide strikes, which Mussolini put down in less than 24 hours. In October Mussolini told followers that if he was not given power, he would “March on Rome.” Three days later 30,000 Fascists marched and gained control of several more cities. The government attempted to declare martial law, but King Victor Emmanuel III would not approve it. On October 29, the king asked Mussolini to form a new government as Premier of Italy.

Mussolini’s March on Rome

Mussolini’s Consolidation of Power Mussolini built a government made up of a number of sympathetic parties. Mussolini formed a coalition that included all major parties except the Communists and the Socialists. He assured the Parliament that he intended to respect personal liberties but with “dignity and firmness…,” His government was approved by a 306 to 116 vote and 9 days later the Chamber granted him quasi-dictatorial powers for a year.

Elections of 1924 In violence marred elections on April 6, 1924, the Fascists gained 60% of the popular vote and two-thirds of the Chamber’s seats. The Socialist leader and member of the Chamber, Giacomo Matteotti attacked the Fascists for their strong-arm tactics during the election. Several days later, Fascists supporters kidnapped and murdered him. Italy was stunned by this event, and Mussolini was vulnerable but Victor Emmanuel refused to dismiss him from office.

Consolidation of the Dictatorship 1925, Mussolini accepted responsibility for events of the past year. Next was a reign of terror that eliminated many of his opponents. During the next 2 years, he expanded his power, taking over the government from the Chamber. A failed assassination attempt, lead to the “Law for the Defense of the State” A special court to deal with political crimes.

Fascist Party 1922, Mussolini created a Grand Council of Fascism made up of the Party’s principle leaders. By 1928, the Grand Council became the most important organ of government in Italy. Fascism was defined as a “Civil Militia” with “Il Duce” (Mussolini) as its head Organization of Vigilance and Repression of Anti-fascism (OVRA) Fascist Secret Police They took complete control of the government as well as many youth organizations in Italy Giovane Italiane (girls 12 and up) Avanguardisti (boys 14-18)