Establishment of Mussolini's Fascist Rule Flashcards
(14 cards)
Initial Steps (1922-1923)
Emergency power: In November 1922, Mussolini received emergency powers from parliament for one year, allowing him to bypass legal decree.
Coalition Government: Initially, Mussolini led a coalition government with less than a third of his ministers being fascists. However, he gradually increased fascist representation and influence
1923 Acerbo Law
-Significantly benefited Mussolini by ensuring that the party receiving the largest share of votes, provided it gained at least 25%, would automatically be awarded two-thirds of the seats in the Italian Parliament.
-Ensured that Mussolini’s fascists gained a majority in the chamber of deputies
Consequences of Acerbo Law
This electoral reform was designed to create a strong, stable government by ending the fragmentation of Italy’s proportional representation system, but in practice, it disproportionately favoured Mussolini’s National Fascist Party (PNF) as it granted them a supermajority of seats.
This led to a large number of fascist seats by 1924.
What did Acerbo Law allow Mussolini to do?
-Enabled Mussolini to consolidate his power and dismantle democratic institutions.
-Suppression of opposition parties through intimidation, violence, and electoral fraud, exemplified by the murder of socialist deputy Giacomo Matteotti, who had denounced election irregularities.
-A critical legal mechanism that transformed Mussolini’s position from prime minister heading a coalition into a dictator with near-total control over the Italian government
1924 Elections
Despite widespread violence and intimidation, Fascists & their allies won about 65% of the votes and 374/535 seats in parliament.
Matteotti Crisis (1924)
-The assassination of socialist deputy Giacomo Matteotti, who had denounced election irregularities and spoke out against Mussolini.
-Led to the political confrontation between the liberals and the Fascist government
-Instead of weakening Mussolini, it allowed him to further consolidate power by portraying opposition as a threat to national stability.
Aventine Secession (1924-1925)
Opposition parties boycotted parliament in protest, but this only reduced opposition within the chamber, allowing Mussolini to pass more authoritarian laws.
Fascist Legislation (1925-26)
A series of laws banned opposition parties, free trade unions, and introduced press censorship. A new secret police force was established, and a special court was created to try political crimes.
Appointment of Podestas (mayor)
An authoritarian mayor with full executive and legislative powers. He was appointed by the National Fascist Party for a renewable five-year term
Increasing fascist control over local government
The Christmas Eve Law of 1925
-Formally transformed Mussolini’s government into a legal dictatorship. He was no longer responsible to parliament and could only be removed by the King.
-Mussolini’s formal title from “president of the Council of Ministers” to “head of the government”
Lateran Treaties (1929)
Mussolini negotiated the Lateran Treaties, which resolved this historical conflict between the church and state by recognising Vatican City as an independent state. This move not only improved relations with the Church but also bolstered Mussolini’s domestic support.
Concordat
Made Catholicism the official state religion, allowed Catholic education in public schools, and recognised church marriages. In return, the Church pledged not to interfere in political matters, effectively neutralising potential opposition from a powerful institution.
Impact of Lateran Treaties
The alliance with the Church increased Mussolini’s popularity among Catholics, who comprised a significant portion of the Italian population. This helped legitimise his regime and reduce opposition from religious quarters.
Italy by 1926
Therefore, by 1926, Mussolini had effectively eliminated opposition parties, outlawed strikes, and established a comprehensive police state.
This marked the culmination of his consolidation of power, transforming Italy into a one-party fascist state under his leadership
