Mussolini's Rise and Fascist Italy: A Concise History
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The Rise to Power of Mussolini
Mussolini founded the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919, comprised of veterans with a populist and nationalistic agenda. He also established the National Fascist Party in 1921, advocating for a strong state, private property, and an expansionist foreign policy.
Support and Actions
- Support: Employers, the army, the bourgeoisie, and middle classes.
- Actions: Violence against politicians, trade unionists, and the media. Boycotted the August 1922 strike.
Takeover: March on Rome
The Blackshirts occupied public buildings in the capital. King Victor Emmanuel III, fearing military support for Mussolini, appointed him to form the government.
First Phase of Mussolini (1922-1924)
Mussolini formed a coalition government, initially maintaining parliamentary life and political freedoms. After the assassination of socialist leader Matteotti, Mussolini assumed full power and silenced the opposition.
Mussolini's Fascist Dictatorship
From 1925, Mussolini held all executive and legislative power. He controlled parliament through the Fascist Grand Council, later an advisory body. He appointed provincial and municipal authorities, eliminated opposition by banning political parties and unions, and created state-controlled corporations. He purged the administration of officials who disagreed with fascism and created the OVRA political police.
Relations with the Catholic Church
The Lateran Pacts ended the conflict between the Church and the Italian state, with the State subsidizing the Vatican.
Foreign Policy
Remilitarization, territorial claims on the Dalmatian coast, Nice, and Savoy, and colonial expansion with the invasion of Ethiopia.
Fascist Economic Policy
State capitalism based on intervention through aid to firms by the Institute for Industrial Reconstruction. Autarkic policies based on protectionism and a program to enhance grain production. Public works projects like highways and waterworks were undertaken, but wages fell and unemployment rose.
Social Control
Citizens were forced to join fascist organizations. Education was controlled, teachers had to swear loyalty to fascism, and Catholicism was the official religion. Fascism was promoted through radio and film.
Nazi Germany (1933-1939)
Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic
Political Instability
Insurrections from the left by the Spartacus League and from the right by nationalist groups. Hitler's failed coup attempt in 1923.
Economic Situation
War liabilities, inflation, depreciation of the mark, ruined small businesses, and rising unemployment. The 1929 crisis led to the withdrawal of U.S. credits.
Political Consequences
The parties that defended the republic lost social support. They lacked a sufficient majority in parliament, leading to political instability.