MUSSOLINI
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Mussolini founded the Fascist Party, also known as the Blackshirts after World War 1. He
rose to power because:
– Italy suffered during WW1 and they did not get land during the Treaty of Versailles.
– The economy suffered, with high unemployment and inflation.
– Businesses wanted a strong leader to stop the spread of communism.
The Fascist Party grew stronger as they used violence against socialists.
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The March on Rome – The Fascists planned a March on Rome to demand a place in
government. The king (Victor Emmanuel) was tired of changes in government, so he asked
Mussolini to be Prime Minister of Italy.
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Mussolini developed a dictatorship:
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He passed a law that said that the party who got the majority of votes would get two
thirds of the seats in the next parliament. Fascists were the largest party.
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The socialist leader was murdered by the Fascists and the Socialist party withdrew
from parliament.
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All political parties, other than the Fascist party were banned.
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He set up a secret police – OVRA.
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He controlled the press and radio.
Propaganda was important to Mussolini:
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He called himself Il Duce and promoted himself.
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He got the media to promote the Fascist party.
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Schools and youth organisations praised Mussolini.
Fascist changes and achievements:
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Improved road system – autostrade
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Drained the Pontine Marches near Rome.
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Promoted the Battle for Grain and the Battle for Births.
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The Lateran Treaty made peace with the Catholic Church.
FOREIGN POLICY:
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He wanted to expand Italy’s power around the Mediterranean Sea and invaded
Abyssinia.
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Mussolini and Hitler improved their relations through the Rome-Berlin Axis and the
Pact of Steel, which made them allies in war.
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Italy was weak in World War II and were supported by the Italians.
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When the Allies invaded Italy, Mussolini was captured and killed by Italians who
were opposed to him.