Mussolini and the March on Rome

The Origins of Mussolini Mussolini was born in Predappio, Romagna in July 1883. He was the son of a school mistress and a blacksmith. He absorbed revolutionary (socialist) ideas from his father. ‘I am a man of the people. I understand the people because I am one of them.’

Politics From 1910 he became heavily involved in the local socialist party. He put a lot of his energy into provoking revolution. He disagreed with the socialist policy towards WWI. He saw the conflict as a chance to bring revolution closer. He set up his own movement the Fasci di Combattimento (Combat group). Only 100 people came to the inaugural meeting. The only thing they had in common was a hatred of the Liberal state.

Electoral failure into success Mussolini’s party contested the 1919 general election They performed disastrously. Mussolini failed to become a deputy The fascists won no seats at all. There were only about 4000 supporters in the whole country by the end of 1920.

However, though a number of mistakes by the government and the socialist coupled with Mussolini’s own flair for self publicity support grew. People were scared of both the socialists and the violent squads of Fascists. However Fascism seemed attractive to Italians in many ways. In the 1921 elections they gained 7% of the vote. 35 Fascist MPS were elected to Parliament. Mussolini was in position, by 1922, to become Prime Minister of Italy.

The March on Rome Aug 1 1922 – Socialists called a general strike. Poor response – called off after a day However, it raised the spectre of Socialist Revolution The Fascists used this to their advantage.

16 Oct Mussolini and other leaders agreed to plan an insurrection 24 Oct Mussolini publicly told Fascist squads that Fascism would either be appointed or would seize power. 27 Oct Mussolini seemed on the verge of accepting a ministerial post in a new liberal government. He held out for more. Fascist groups concentrated in three areas within marching distance of Rome.

Overnight Fascists try to take control of communications in major cities around Italy. Success is limited Facta, the Prime Minister agreed to take military action against the fascists. 28 Oct King agrees to martial law but later changes his mind. Facta resigned and was replaced by Salandra 29 Oct Salandra advised that Mussolini be appointed PM. King agreed.

30 Oct Mussolini arrived in Rome. King Victor Emmanuel appointed him PM. The Fascist squads start arriving. 31 Oct Most squads arrived by train for a parade before the King and Mussolini.