The Rise of Fascism –
In Italy
?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??
• 1.) Please explain, what does Fascism
literally mean?
• 2.) How did Italy’s “new” leader gain power?
• 3.) What changes did Italy go through after
1922?
Post-War ITALY 1922
• Government is unstable, many
are not supporting Monarchy
(King Victor Emmanuel III).
• Young Man organizes war
veterans and unhappy Italians to
form a political party
– The Fascist party
– BENITIO MUSSOLINI
• Promises order, revive Roman
greatness, turn Mediterranean
into a “ROMAN LAKE”.
Benito Mussolini
• Meaning: Latin word “fasces”,
a bundle of sticks wrapped
around an ax.
– Proud symbol of Ancient
Roman authority.
• Supporter’s of Mussolini wore
‘black-shirts’.
– The Black Shirts were combat
squads who defended fascist
ideals and attacked ideas of
democracy and
socialism/communism.
• Use of fear, intimidation, and
violence help Mussolini gain
support.
FASCISM
Rise to Power
• Fascists march to capital,
King Emmanuel III fears civil
war.
– Asks Mussolini to be Prime
Minister and form a new
government.
• 1925 – Mussolini takes on
title of “Il Duce”, meaning
“THE LEADER”.
• Government is now a
dictatorship.
Mussolini’s Economic Policy
• Workers forbidden to
strike, low wages.
• Economy controlled by:
representatives of
Business and Labor
– But Fascist Party controls
industry, agriculture, and
trade.
• Stood to protect private
property for the rich and
the middle class.
Mussolini’s Social Policies
• Men should be selfless
warriors for Italy.
• Women pushed from
jobs and remain home to
have children.
• Fascist youth groups
created.
– Extreme Boy Scouts
– “Believe! Obey! Fight!”
• Glorifies the state
above the individual.
Italy
“Roman Lake”
*Anti-Communist
*Loath Democracies
Fascism in 1920-1930’s
• Economic hardships made
people lose faith in
democracy and begin to
support more radical forms
of government that
promised an end to these
problems.
Fascism in 1920-1930’s cont….
• Benito Mussolini in
Italy, and then Adolf
Hitler in Germany, both
promised solutions to
these problems.
• Were able to win the
support of the masses
as they took absolute
control over their
countries.
?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??
• 1.) Please explain, what does Fascism
literally mean?
• 2.) How did Italy’s “new” leader gain power?
• 3.) What changes did Italy go through after
1922?
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