Cult of il Duce

Question 1

What was the cult of il Duce?

Answer 1

was an image spread to portray Mussolini as a leader of immense ability who was leading Italy to greatness

Question 2

What was the slogan used?

Answer 2

Mussolini is always right

Question 3

How many photos of Mussolini were circulated?

Answer 3

30 million, 2,500 different poses

Question 4

What was Mussolini described as?

Answer 4

superb swimmer and aviator

Question 5

How did this help Mussolini control the population?

Answer 5

• Mussolini was portrayed as a modern, dynamic leader who was a brilliant sportsman and internationally respected statesman
• Show Mussolini as a leader who appealed to everybody

Question 6

How successful was this policy?

Answer 6

• Most powerful and successful aspect of fascist propaganda
• sustained myth of the regime, uniting the Italians in support of dictatorship
• PNF and fascist ideology may not be popular but Mussolini stood above the party as a leader Italians could believe in
• Cult of il Duce did not achieve aim of transforming Italian people into a more militaristic culture
• Focused on one leader rather than an ideology that can continue after Mussolini died, therefore it was too difficult to consider fascism surviving after Mussolini died
• Difficult to maintain image as Mussolini aged