Fascism and the Rise of Mussolini

What is Fascism? A counter to communism, fascism grows to become a very powerful, conservative set of political ideas. No single set of beliefs that unify all fascists, as communists relied on Marx.

Common Characteristics However, there are a few features that most fascists countries have. Came from extreme Nationalism Glorified action, violence, discipline and above all Blind loyalty to the state Antidemocratic. To fascists, democracy led to corruption and weakness and put individual or class interests above the national good. Pursued aggressive foreign policy, trying to make their country larger.

Rise of Mussolini: Problems facing Italy After WWI, Italian nationalists were furious over the Paris Peace Treaties. As an Allied Power, they expected to gain more territory along the Adriatic, but did not. Also, with the growing economic problems of the depression, peasants began to seize land, go on strike and create multiple economic problems.

Rise of Mussolini: A Leader Emerges After the war, Benito Mussolini organized veterans and other discouraged Italians into the Fascist Party Name comes from a Roman symbol of power, fasces. Mussolini promised to end corruption and replace turmoil with order. Spoke of returning Italy to the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Rise of Mussolini: The Black Shirts Mussolini organized a military called the Black Shirts for their uniforms Began as a group that broke up socialist rallies and attacked those that supported left wing ideas. Using intimidation and terror, the fascists would begin taking elections throughout Italy

Mussolini Takes Power 1922: The Black Shirts organize a march on Rome to demand that the government make changes. Fearing a civil war King Victor Emanuel II asked Mussolini to form a government as Prime Minister Without a shot, Mussolini obtained authority in Italy Gave himself the title “Il Duce” The leader.

Rise of Mussolini: Mussolini’s Policies Economic Policy Brought the economy under state control However, he did this to encourage conflict and competition between business owners and workers. Workers were forbidden to strike, and their wages dropped. Social Policies The State is the most important thing, and the individual is only important regarding the state. Slogan of Fascist Italy: “Believe, Obey, Fight!”

Mussolini’s Fascist Government System of Government Totalitarian system of government Stalin’s Soviet Union and later Hitler’s Germany would have the following in common with Mussolini A single Party Dictatorship State control of the economy Use of police and terror to enforce will on people. Propaganda Unquestioning obedience was required