How did Mussolini respond to the Matteoti crisis? Flashcards
What did Mussolini initially say, believing he was powerless?
‘My position is untenable. It is impossible to remain in power with a dead man at one’s feet’
How did the crisis impact Mussolini’s health?
He suffered with depression, which was partially caused by severe ulcers
What did most opposition deputies do?
They walked out of parliament in a move known as the aventine secession, after a group of politicians who has set up a rival assembly on the aventine hills above rome. They met elsewhere and declared themselves the true representatives of the Italian people. They expected the King to dismiss Mussolini
Why was the aventine secession not a major threat to Mussolini?
- His opposition was divided
- King Emmanuel wanted him to take control
- Much of the elite thought that a Mussolini government would be the best option, especially considering the political turmoil would now make Mussolini easier to control
What did fascist leaders want Mussolini to do in response to the crisis?
They wanted him to take the initiative to abandon the conciliatory approach and set up a full fascist dictatorship
What was Mussolini’s initial policy response to the crisis?
A policy of repression and concession
Describe Mussolini’s policy of conceession and repression
The militia was mobilised and tighter restrictions were imposed upon the press, but concessions were made when the militia was incorporated into the armed forces. The main suspects were arrested, and the conservative Federzoni replaced Mussolini as minister of the interior
Why was Mussolini’s not enough to remove the pressure he was under?
Criticisms from opponents increased as new evidence implying him emerged
What happened to worsen Mussolini’s position on
What happened to worsen Mussolini’s position on
What happened to worsen Mussolini’s position on the 27th December?
A newspaper published Rossi’s testimony, which implicated Mussolini in the murder. However, the King refused to act, or even read the report
How was Mussolini under pressure from his own party?
Fascist radicals feared that if Mussolini lost power their chance at a revolution would disappear. The Ras pressured him to act, cultminating in a tense meeting on the 31st December 1924, finally causing Mussolini to take the plunge
What did Mussolini do in his address to the deputies on 3rd January 1925?
He took responsibilty for fascism and said he would set up a dictatorship within 48 hours
What immediately followed Mussolini’s address to the deputies?
A wave of arrests and repression against political opponents
What began to be issued over the following year?
A series of increasingly repressive laws and decrees
