Domestic problems in Italy

Question 1

What was the extent of anti-semitic rhetoric in Italy pre-1937? -Status of Jews in fascism

Answer 1

Pre-1937, almost none.
-No fascist focus on race
-Plenty of fascist Jews

Question 2

What was the extent of anti-semitic rhetoric in Italy pre-1937? Mussolini’s personal views?

Answer 2

-M appointed a Jewish finance minister in 1932.
-M had a Jewish mistress for many years.

Question 3

What was passed in 1938?

Answer 3

Anti- Semitic legislation 1938.

Question 4

What did the 1938 Legislation prohibit Jews from? (4 key points)

Answer 4

-Marrying non-Jews
-Holding public office jobs
-Owning more than 50 hectares of land.
-Owning a business with more than 100 employees.

Question 5

How many Jews left Italy following the 1938 legislation?

Answer 5

-6000 over the next 3 years.
-Foreign Jews were deported.

Question 6

How far were Mussolini’s anti-semitic policies supported?

Answer 6

Resented by the majority, including the Pope.

Question 7

Where were Italian workers transferred to? Why?

Answer 7

Commercial treaty 1939 meant Italian workers were transferred to Germany- 500,000 by 1945. Hugely unpopular.

Question 8

What did Mussolini implement at the same time as his anti-semitic decrees? How did people respond?

Answer 8

Reform of customs; included civil service wearing uniforms, intro of the goose step and Roman salute; most ignored it.

Question 9

What happened to Mussolini’s personal appeal?

Answer 9

It reduced; he was older, had been in power for 17 years, and his youthful image and Cult of Il Duce was wavering.