1. FASCISM
World Studies
January 5

2. I. Italy Italians were very upset about the Treaty of Versailles
Didn’t get their land
Dissatisfaction prevailed
The poor attempted to stage a revolution like Russia, but failed
Both unemployment and taxes rose, the government was blamed

3. II. Benito Mussolini
Organized WWI veterans and other unhappy Italians into a new political party – the Fascists
Fascism – belief that the state is more important than the individual; extreme nationalism combined with violence, discipline and loyalty
Mussolini promises to revive the glory of Rome

5. Mussolini organized his supporters into squads called the “Black Shirts”
Used force and fear to end any moves toward socialism or democracy
Forced out local governments
Led march on the capital
King Victor Emmanuel III made
Mussolini prime minister to prevent civil
war
Most Italians didn’t object; just happy to see some one doing something

6. III. Mussolini’s Italy Mussolini took more and more power for himself
Changes his title to Il Duce (the leader)
Maintained a capitalist society, but under strict government regulation
Wages were kept low and workers were forbidden to strike to increase production

7. IV. Fascism vs. Communism
Similarities:
Both did well economically because of rigid government control
Both had totalitarian governments (one party dictatorship) that used secret police and censorship to increase control
Both demand complete obedience to the state

8. Differences:
Fascism appeals to businesses/wealthy, while communism appeals to poor workers
Fascism does not attempt to create economic equality/meet the needs of all
Fascists are nationalistic, while communists wanted international change

9. V. Why?
People supported Mussolini and Fascism because he promised to fix their problems and bring glory to Italy
Gave up individual freedoms for order and progress