The Rise of Fascism – In Italy

?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??

• 1.) Please explain, what does Fascism literally mean?

• 2.) How did Italy’s “new” leader gain power?

• 3.) What changes did Italy go through after 1922?

Post-War ITALY 1922

• Government is unstable, many are not supporting Monarchy (King Victor Emmanuel III).

• Young Man organizes war veterans and unhappy Italians to form a political party– The Fascist party– BENITIO MUSSOLINI

• Promises order, revive Roman greatness, turn Mediterranean into a “ROMAN LAKE”.

Benito Mussolini

FASCISM• Meaning: Latin word “fasces”, a bundle of sticks wrapped around an ax. – Proud symbol of Ancient

Roman authority.• Supporter’s of Mussolini wore

‘black-shirts’.– The Black Shirts were combat

squads who defended fascist ideals and attacked ideas of democracy and socialism/communism.

• Use of fear, intimidation, and violence help Mussolini gain support.

Rise to Power• Fascists march to capital,

King Emmanuel III fears civil war.– Asks Mussolini to be Prime

Minister and form a new government.

• 1925 – Mussolini takes on title of “Il Duce”, meaning “THE LEADER”.

• Government is now a dictatorship.

Mussolini’s Economic Policy• Workers forbidden to

strike, low wages.• Economy controlled by:

representatives of Business and Labor– But Fascist Party controls

industry, agriculture, and trade.

• Stood to protect private property for the rich and the middle class.

Mussolini’s Social Policies• Men should be selfless

warriors for Italy.• Women pushed from

jobs and remain home to have children.

• Fascist youth groups created.– Extreme Boy Scouts– “Believe! Obey! Fight!”

• Glorifies the state

above the individual.

Italy

“Roman Lake”

*Anti-Communist *Loath Democracies

Fascism in 1920-1930’s

•Economic hardships made people lose faith in democracy and begin to support more radical forms of government that promised an end to these problems.

Fascism in 1920-1930’s cont….• Benito Mussolini in

Italy, and then Adolf Hitler in Germany, both promised solutions to these problems.

• Were able to win the support of the masses as they took absolute control over their countries. 

?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??

• 1.) Please explain, what does Fascism literally mean?

• 2.) How did Italy’s “new” leader gain power?

• 3.) What changes did Italy go through after 1922?

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