1. Fascism and the Rise of Mussolini

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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!”

9. 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