1. Fascism In Italy The Rise of Mussolini
Mr. Meester
World History
13-3

2. Vocabulary
Benito Mussolini
Black Shirts
Fascism

3. Italy After World War I
The Italian people felt betrayed at the end of WWI
There was a great fear of communist takeover
Veterans of the war had trouble finding work
Government kept raising taxes to try to rebuild
Italy’s democratic government failed to end the crisis
The people lost faith in their leaders

4. A Leader Emerges
A former socialist named Benito Mussolini begins to organize veterans & others into a new political party.
Characteristics of the party
intense nationalism, militarism, anti-communistic, & anti-democratic
It was known as the Fascist Party

5. The Fascist Party
Mussolini organized his followers into “combat squads”
Called Black Shirts or Squadristi
The Black Shirts used fear and terror tactics to achieve political goals.
The best example is the March on Rome
Over 20,000 fascists marched & forced the King to make Mussolini Prime Minister.

6. Il Duce’s Tactics
Mussolini took the title Il Duce or “The Leader” after he was Prime Minister
Mussolini eliminated all other political parties by rigging elections, controlling the press & terror/scare tactics
Critics were thrown in prison, forced to flee the country, or were killed
Propaganda & the OVRA (Secret Police) helped the Fascists maintain control

7. Italy Under Fascism
The economy was brought under state control but capitalism was maintained.
Production increased at the expense of the workers. (Low wages & No Strikes)
Loyalty to the state was all important.
Propaganda glorified the state.
All citizens had a role to play.
Men were to be fearless warriors
Women were to be perfect mothers
Children were taught that Mussolini was always right.

8. Characteristics of Fascism
Glorification of the state over individual rights. (Extreme Nationalism)
Militarism, discipline, violence and blind loyalty to the state & a single leader.
Anti-democratic; democracy leads to corruption and weakness.
Anti-communist; Fascists are the sworn enemies of Communists. They support business leaders & exploit workers.

9. Fascist Tactics Only one political party is allowed in the government.
Terror tactics and Propaganda are used to achieve political goals.
The use of Secret Police and prison camps to remove possible threats.
Brainwashing the youth in special schools.