italy

• What was the political situation in Italy by October 1922?

  Italy was slipping into political chaos
• What did Mussolini present himself as during the March on Rome?

  The only man capable of restoring order
• What title did Mussolini take after becoming dictator?

  'Il Duce'
• How did Mussolini consolidate his dictatorship?

  Through political methods and violence
• What were the main reasons for the rise of Fascism in Italy?

  • Economic problems post-World War I
  • Political divisions and dissatisfaction with the Liberal government
  • Fear of socialism and communism
  • Desire for strong leadership and national restoration
• What was the outcome of the First World War for Italy?

  It was referred to as a ‘mutilated victory’
• What economic problems did Italy face after World War I?

  Increased government debt and inflation
• How did the war affect employment in Italy?

  Two million people were unemployed by 1919
• What led to the growth of fascism in Italy?

  Political divisions and dissatisfaction with the government
• Who were the main supporters of the Fascist Party?

  Ex-soldiers, middle classes, and youth
• What did the Fascists promise to restore?

  Italy's greatness and economic stability
• How did local Fascist squads gain support?

  By using violence to restore order
• What was the significance of the March on Rome?

  It led to Mussolini becoming Prime Minister
• What did Mussolini gradually dismantle after becoming Prime Minister?

  The institutions of democratic government
• What was Mussolini's goal after becoming dictator?

  To re-establish Italy as a great power
• What methods did Mussolini use to consolidate his dictatorship?

  • Political methods
  • Use of violence and terror
  • Cult of personality
• What event did the Black Shirts organize in October 1922?

  A march on Rome
• Who appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister of Italy?

  King Victor Emmanuel of Italy
• What title did Mussolini take when he made himself dictator?

  'Il Duce'
• What was the main method Mussolini used to consolidate his dictatorship?

  Political methods, violence, and terror
• How many fascists were in the cabinet when Mussolini became Prime Minister?

  Four fascists
• What did Mussolini threaten in his first speech to parliament?

  A threat about the strength of the Fascist Party
• What did Mussolini ask for in his first speech to parliament?

  Emergency powers to deal with problems
• What was the National Security Guards (MVSN)?

  A national militia formed by Mussolini
• Who did the National Security Guards swear loyalty to?

  Mussolini, not the king
• What was the role of the Fascist Grand Council in Mussolini's government?

  It worked alongside the government’s cabinet
• Why did the Confindustria support Mussolini?

  Fears of communism and tax promises
• What measures did Mussolini announce to gain support from the Catholic Church?

  Renouncing atheism and making religious education compulsory
• What was the Acerbo Law intended to do?

  Give the winning party two-thirds of seats
• How did Mussolini ensure the passage of the Acerbo Law?

  By threatening to abolish parliament
• What percentage of the vote did the fascists win in the April 1924 election?

  Almost 65%
• Who was Giacomo Matteotti?

  An independent socialist who condemned fascist violence
• What happened to Matteotti on June 10, 1924?

  He was abducted in Rome
• What did Mussolini do after Matteotti's murder became public?

  He suspended parliament to prevent debate
• When did Mussolini address the Chamber of Deputies to deny involvement in the Ceka?

  January 3, 1925
• What did Mussolini do after assuming responsibility for Matteotti's murder?

  He continued to rule Italy by force
• What was the purpose of the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro (OND)?

  To control leisure activities and influence minds
• What percentage of industrial workers were members of the OND?

  About 40%
• What was the Romanità movement associated with?

  Linking fascism to ancient Roman greatness
• How did Mussolini use propaganda to enhance his image?

  By controlling press and public appearances