Fascism in Italy (1911 - 1946)

• What was the Risorgimento?


  The political and social movement that unified the Italian peninsula into the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century
• Key figures in Italian unification

  Giuseppe Garibaldi, Count Camillo di Cavour, Giuseppe Mazzini
• Structure of the Italian government in the early 20th century


  Constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament, a powerful monarchy, and a prime minister leading the cabinet
• How did the Italian electoral system evolve?

  It gradually expanded from very restrictive suffrage to universal male suffrage by 1918
• Major political parties in early 20th century Italy

  Liberals, Socialists, Catholics, Nationalists, Republicans
• Key challenges faced by the Italian political system

  Regional disparities, corruption, limited suffrage, social unrest, the 'Southern Question'
• Impact of World War I on Italian politics

  Political divisions, economic strain, social changes, post-war disillusionment, weakening of the liberal state, rise of new political movements including Fascism
• Consequences of WWI on Italian politics

  Sense of "mutilated victory", increased state intervention in the economy, rise of mass political parties like Socialists and People's Party
• What is a liberal state?

  A form of government that emphasizes individual rights, limited government power, rule of law, free market economy, and representative democracy
• What was the political situation in Italy before unification?


  Italy was divided into several states, with significant Austrian influence in the north
• What was Count Cavour's role in Italian unification?

  He was the diplomatic mastermind behind Piedmont-Sardinia's leadership in the unification process
• What was a major challenge faced by the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861?

  Integrating diverse regional economies and cultures
• What were some key reforms in creating a liberal state in Italy?

  Unifying the currency, implementing compulsory education, and expanding suffrage
• What was a significant administrative challenge in creating the liberal Italian state?

  Balancing centralization with local autonomy
• What was both a success and a limitation of the liberal state in Italy?

  The establishment of a constitutional government
• What was a significant limitation of the liberal state in Italy?

  Restricted voting rights
• Risorgimento


  A 19th-century movement for Italian unification and national revival.
• Constitutional Monarchy


  A form of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government.
• Camillo di Cavour


  Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia who played a key role in Italian unification through diplomacy.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi


  A military leader known for his role in the unification of Italy, particularly through the Expedition of the Thousand.
• Giuseppe Mazzini


  A nationalist leader who advocated for a unified, republican Italy and founded the Young Italy movement.
• Statuto Albertino


  The constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, establishing a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system.
• Limited Suffrage


  Voting rights restricted to a small portion of the population, excluding many citizens from political participation.
• Regional Disparities


  Economic and cultural differences between the northern and southern regions of Italy post-unification.
• Roman Question


  The political and territorial dispute between the Italian state and the Papacy regarding the status of Rome.
• Economic Liberalism


  An economic philosophy advocating for free markets and minimal government intervention in the economy.
• What is corporatism?


  Corporatism is a political and economic system where major interest groups are integrated into the governmental system.
• How does corporatism organize society?

  Corporatism organizes society by corporate groups representing different economic, industrial, and professional groups.
• Is corporatism related to modern business corporations?

  No, corporatism is not related to modern business corporations.
• What is a common association of corporatism?

  Corporatism is often associated with authoritarianism.
• What are the key features of corporatism?

  - Organized interests based on common functions - State mediation between corporate groups - Collective bargaining for economic and social policies - Hierarchical structure of corporate groups - Limited competition emphasizing cooperation - Promotion of social harmony to reduce class conflict
• What role does the state play in corporatism?

  The state acts as a mediator between various corporate groups.
• Which scenario best illustrates state mediation in corporatism?


  The government mediates negotiations between labor unions and employers' associations to set industry-wide wage standards.
• What is a key characteristic of the Fascist economic model?

  The Fascist economic model involves strong state intervention in the economy.
• What are the distinct characteristics of the Fascist economic model?

  - Strong state control over the economy - Emphasis on economic self-sufficiency (autarky) - Nominally private ownership under state direction - Suppression of independent labor unions - Focus on military production and preparedness - Organization of the economy into employer, employee, and state "corporations"
• Which policy would be least consistent with the Fascist economic model?

  Promoting international free trade agreements.
• How do corporatism and the Fascist economic model differ in terms of state role?

  - Corporatism: State acts as a mediator - Fascism: State is the supreme authority
• How do corporatism and the Fascist economic model differ in terms of economic freedom?

  - Corporatism: Can exist with some economic freedoms - Fascism: Heavily restricted economic freedoms
• How do corporatism and the Fascist economic model differ in terms of labor representation?

  - Corporatism: Can include genuine labor representation - Fascism: Labor is suppressed or strictly controlled
• How do corporatism and the Fascist economic model differ in terms of economic goals?

  - Corporatism: Aims for class collaboration - Fascism: Prioritizes national power and autarky