Italy and Fascism

Context for the Rise of Fascism

• Italians were dissatisfied with the peace settlement following WWI. (they did not get the territorial gains, that they had been promised)

• Italy was facing big economic problems like all of Europe.

• Communist movements were threatening traditional Italian ways.

Benito Mussolini

• A socialist party member until WWI when his views shifted to Ultra-Nationalism. • Wanted to strengthen the Italian state (nation). Formed the Fascio di Combattimento“League of Combat” 1919• Created the 1st fascist state.

Fascism

• A political philosophy that glorifies the state above the individual by emphasizing the need for a strong central government led by a dictatorial ruler.

Fascist Movement Seizes Power

• 1920-1921 Mussolini’s “Black Shirts” or “Squadristi” use violence to suppress socialist/communist movements.

• 1922 the fascist ultra-nationalistic movement has wide middle-class support and Mussolini threatens to take Rome if not given power.

• The King as well as the Catholic Church agree to make Mussolini prime minister by 1926 he has solidified his totalitarian control of Italy.

Totalitarian Methods of Control• Secret Police (OVRA)• Controlled mass media spread Propaganda

• Spread fascism through youth groups, 2 out of 3 children in Italy were part of fascist organizations. Promoted Militarism.

»What do you think?

• What role should politics and the military play in children and teenagers lives?

Influence of the Church

• Mussolini signed the Lateran Accords with the Catholic Church which gave Vatican City sovereignty.

• In return the Pope supported Mussolini’s regime, the church actively promoted and asked its members to support him.

• All other religions (other than Catholicism) were outlawed.

Catholicism gets its own Nation

• Pope Pius XI/Mussolini The Vatican

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIxAsangFZc

Review

• List the factors that allowed Mussolini to gain power.

• Define fascism.

• List three methods of control that Mussolini used?