Rise of Italian Fascism

Q: Why did fascism emerge in Italy? Italy in World War IItaly in World War I CasualtiesCasualties Economic CrisisEconomic Crisis Rise of the leftRise of the left National goals not metNational 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 managersBusiness owners and managers Land ownersLand owners Displaced soldiersDisplaced soldiers Nationalistic working classNationalistic 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?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?Which groups or institutions in Italian society would he need to deal with in order to be unchallenged? What methods could he use?What methods could he use?

Political actions: Acerbo LawAcerbo Law - 25% of popular vote = 2/3 of seats in parliament- 25% of popular vote = 2/3 of seats in parliament Single Party State (ban other parties)Single Party State (ban other parties) State media and censorshipState media and censorship OVRA secret policeOVRA secret police

Matteotti incident

Building a fascist society

Lateran Treaty