Fascist State - Mussolini and Italy’s Political and Economic elite Flashcards
Until when was Italy a constitutional monarchy?
September 1943
What did the original 1919 fascist programme set out the aim of?
Transforming Italy into a republic
Why did the original 1919 fascist programme’s aim change?
Mussolini understood that radical anti monarchy policies were a block to him becoming prime minister so in 1920 it removed any references to removing the king
How was Mussolini’s agreement with the king important for consolidating his power?
Helped gain the acceptance of the fascist dictatorship in armed forces and state administration who retained loyalty and respect to the king. Mussolini worked with VE3 but slowly eroded his powers
When was the Fascist Grand Council granted constitutional right to limit the kings power to nominate future prime ministers and advise him on future royal succession?
December 1928
How was the King’s power further minimised in March 1938?
Fascist parliament passed a law creating the title of First Marshal of the Empire, the highest rank in the military hierarchy and this was given to Mussolini and the King and he was no longer supreme military commander
How was the King’s power further minimised in June 1940?
When Italy entered WWII, Mussolini deprived the king of his role and took complete control of the military
What did the king do in the face of the erosion of Italy’s constitutional democracy?
He made little effort to prevent or minimise it
Who was calling for a new constitution by 1938 and what did they want it to reflect?
Leading Italian lawyers were calling for a new constitution that reflected the realities of a fascist state
What was the king and Mussolini’s relationship like for the most part?
A political balancing act that suited both of them in respect to their positions within the fascist dictatorship
What was there evidence of in regards to Mussolini and the monarchy?
He was working towards getting rid of the monarchy and was just waiting for the right time
Who was Mussolini prepared to work with in order to retain his power as a dictator?
Conservative elites, such as the army, judiciary and civil service. Legal system was largely unchanged and judges retained independence from the party but many joined the PNF to retain positions.
How did Mussolini treat the military in terms of power?
Allowed it to run independently and left the running of the armed forces to under-secretaries such as generals and admirals.
What did Mussolini do in regards to power over government administration?
There was little change from conservative elites who maintained their influential positions in the political system, some civil servants were removed due to antifascist ties but most kept them jobs. Most top administrative posts in fascist ministries were held by career civil servants (such as Ministry of Corporations)
How were traditional conservative elites able to retain political influence?
Through newly created position of the Podestà
