March on Rome

• What was the March on Rome?

  A political demonstration led by Mussolini to seize power in Italy
• How many seats did the Fascist Party win in the 1921 elections?

  25 seats
• What was Mussolini's political status after the 1921 elections?

  He was elected to parliament
• Why did wealthy industrialists and landowners support the Fascist Party?

  Because of its anti-socialist policies
• What was the membership growth of the Fascist Party from 1920 to 1922?

  From 30,000 to over 300,000
• What tactics did Fascists use to intimidate their opponents?

  They held massive rallies and attacked left-wing offices
• How many people were estimated to be victims of political violence between 1921 and 1922?

  2,000 people
• Who were primarily responsible for the political violence during this period?

  The Blackshirt mobs
• How did the police and army respond to the violence perpetrated by the Fascists?

  They often turned a blind eye to it
• What significant event did the Blackshirts help to break in August 1922?

  A general strike called by the Socialist Party
• How did many Italians view Mussolini during this time?

  As the man who would save Italy from communism
• When did the March on Rome begin?

  On 22 October
• What did Prime Minister Luigi Facta request from King Victor Emmanuel III on 28 October?

  To declare a state of emergency and use the army
• Why did King Victor Emmanuel III refuse to use the army against the Fascists?

  He feared civil war
• What happened to Prime Minister Luigi Facta after the king refused his request?

  He resigned
• What was Mussolini's response after Facta resigned?

  He refused to serve under another prime minister
• At what age was Mussolini appointed prime minister?

  At the age of thirty-nine
• What event followed Mussolini's appointment as prime minister?

  His supporters staged a victory march through Rome
• What were the key factors that led to Mussolini's rise to power in Italy?

  • Support from wealthy industrialists and landowners
  • Increase in Fascist Party membership
  • Use of political violence and intimidation
  • Perception of Mussolini as a savior against communism
  • King Victor Emmanuel III's fear of civil war
• What is the significance of the March on Rome in Italian history?

  It marked the beginning of Mussolini's dictatorship
• What were the unclear motives of King Victor Emmanuel III in supporting Mussolini?

  Many historians argue he feared a military takeover