1. Between the Wars
Rise of Fascism

2. Rise of Mussolini
Italian nationalists outraged by Paris peace treaties in 1919.
Peasants seized land and workers went on strike.
Government was in chaos.
High rate of unemployment
Rise in taxes
Italy expected to gain land, but instead these became part of the newly created Yugoslavia.

3. Rise of Mussolini Organized Fascist party in 1919
Wanted to revive Roman greatness
Promised to end corruption
Promised to restore order
Fasces was a symbol of authority in Rome; promised the railroads would run on time
Fasces

4. Rise of Mussolini
Organized his supporters into combat squads called “Black Shirts”
These squads used violence to break up socialist rallies and unions
Used terror and intimidation to overthrow elected officials

5. Mussolini comes to power 1922
In October tens of thousands of fascist supporters of Mussolini marched on Rome demanding power. The government of Premier Facta requested the implementation of martial law but King Emmanuel refused to sign the decree, leading to Facta's resignation. Emmanuel appointed Mussolini Prime Minister, and gave him dictatorial powers in an effort to restore order.

6. “Il Duce” “The Leader” Suppressed rival parties Increased censorship
Rigged elections
Brought economy under state control
Representatives of business, labor, government and Fascist party controlled industry.
Production increased, but workers forbidden to strike and had poor wages
The railroad would be on time.

7. What is Fascism? Believe! Fight! Obey! Individual is not important
Fight for country
Women bear children
Women pushed out of paid jobs
Believe! Fight! Obey!

8. What is Fascism? Educate youth to obey strict military discipline
Rooted in extreme nationalism
Glorified action, violence and discipline
Blind loyalty to state

9. Fascist propaganda was also aimed at young children.
The poster reads:
"Benito Mussolini loves children. And the children of Italy love the Duce. Long live the Duce!“
These and similar
posters were found in all
schools in Mussolini's Italy.

10. Political Continuum FASCISTS:
Communism
Political Left
Fascism
Political Right
FASCISTS:
Were Anti-Democratic and rejected Enlightenment ideals and liberties
Believed that citizens must serve the state
Pursued aggressive foreign expansion with ideas linked to Social Darwinism
Were enemies of Communism
Glorified warfare as a necessary and noble struggle for survival
They felt that individual or class interests led to corruption, greed and weakness.
Were Anti-Democratic—They felt that individual or class interests led to corruption, greed and weakness.
Communism called for revolution of the proletariat and allied with urban working class.
Fascism pursued national goals and allied with business owners and wealthy.

11. Features of Totalitarian States
Single party dictatorship
State control of economy
Police spies and state terrorism
Strict censorship and government control of media
Use of schools and media to indoctrinate and mobilize citizens
Unquestioning obedience to single ruler

12. Fascism is defined as any totalitarian government that
is NOT communist.

13. Fascism
Nationalistic and authoritarian government that initially emerged in Italy under Benito Mussolini in 1919
Other fascist governments include Nazi Germany and that of Japan after World War I.
Fascism asserts supremacy of the nation and its leader above all else and demands discipline and devotion from the individual members of society.
Fascist governments tend to be extremely militaristic and often adopt aggressive policies toward other countries.
Typically, fascism has appeared in countries with turbulent economic, social, and political conditions in addition to limited experience with democratic institutions and traditions.