Fascism in Italy

What is fascism? Any centralized, authoritarian government that is not communist whose policies glorify the state over the individual and are destructive to human rights.

Mussolini Rises to Power After WWI Italy’s economy was in shambles and unemployment was high. -Under this high turmoil a leader emerges known as Benito Mussolini, he strongly opposes socialism and in 1919 forms the Fascist Party. Mussolini promises to end corruption and replace turmoil with order.

Mussolini Gains Control Mussolini organized his supporters into combat squads that wore black shirts. The Black Shirts: party militants which rejected the democratic process in favor of violent actions. -They used violence to end socialist rallies and intimidation to oust elected officials through out Europe

Mussolini becomes prime minister The March on Rome, tens of thousands of fascists marched swarmed the capital and it is through this march that Mussolini obtains a nominally legal, constitutional appointment from the king to lead Italy.

Mussolini’s Rule By 1925, Mussolini had resumed more power and taken the title Il Duce. With his new power Mussolini made the following changes: Suppressed rivaling parties Government controlled the press Rigged elections Replaced elected officials with government officials

State and Control of the Economy To spur economic growth and end conflicts between owners and workers, Mussolini under state control. -The party controlled industry, agriculture, and trade. They also forbid strikes and kept workers wages low.

The Roles of Men and Women Men were urged to be selfless warriors fighting for the glory of Italy while women were told to stay home and produce as many children as possible.

Mussolini Mussolini created a totalitarian state: a one-party dictator attempt to regulate a every aspect of the lives of its citizens.