Creation of a fascist dictatorship

Question 1

When was Mussolini sworn as PM?

Answer 1

30 October 1922

Question 2

Why was Mussolini’s power limited in 1922?

Answer 2

• The King
• PSI still dominated with 123 seats
• Squadristis demanding further revolution
• Only fascist 35 deputies in parliament

Question 3

Which factors allowed Mussolini to create a dictatorship?

Answer 3

• Mistakes of the political opponents
• Threats and use of violence
• Mussolini’s control of the PNF
• Mussolini’s ability to control parliament

Question 4

What mistake did political opponents make?

Answer 4

• PPI leader resigned (July 1923): no leadership and endorsement meant that the PPI began to decline
• King, army, liberal elites supported the blackshirts being under control of parliament
• Mussolini gained clerical support by increasing clerical pay + reinstating crucifix’s in schools
• Vatican support PNF at expense of PPI

Question 5

Threats and use of violence

Answer 5

• Maiden speech (1922): told deputies he required a year of emergency powers. Warned politicians that he had 300,000 men to take violent actions if the deputies did not support him
• approved a year long emergency powers 306 to 116

Question 6

Mussolini’s ability to control parliament

Answer 6

• Made himself foreign minister and minister for the interior
• Appoints conservative Alberto De’Stefani minister of finance
• Feb 1923 ANI was absorbed into the PNF
• Appoints PPI member Stefano Cavozzoni as minister of work/welfare
• emergency powers meant he could not be removed by politicians

Question 7

Mussolini’s control of the PNF

Answer 7

• Dec 1922 Fascist Grand Council created to discuss key policies and elevate fascist leadership
• Created the MVSN (basically the squadrisit) which formalised their role as a party-based paramilitary group
• Mussolini had sole ability to appoint FGC members