Mussolini's Rise - Fasci and the move to the right Flashcards
When did Mussolini form the Fasci di Combattimento?
23 March 1919 with representatives of 20 ex-servicemen in Milan
What has Mussolini started his political life as?
A strong socialist
trincerocrazia
A rule of the trenches where men were linked by war consciousness, Mussolini wanted to recreate this principle in Italy and destroy the liberal order through the fasci
What programme had the Fasci di Combattimento set out by June 1919?
An anticlerical programme that wanted the confiscation of church property, an end to the monarchy, the formation of a republic, wider suffrage, an eight hour working day, and the abolishment of the senate.
What did the Fasci di Combattimento June 1919 programme demand?
Nationalisation of the armaments industry, progressive taxation, the confiscation of profits from companies who made a lot in the war
Who did returning soldiers perceive as ‘internal enemies’ to the Italian State?
Socialists and communists
Squadrismo
Small military units or squads of fasicsts that answered the socialist threat through extreme violence
Squadristi
Members of the Squadrismo
What happened of the 15th of April 1919 (Squadrismo)?
A fascist squad of 200 to 300 dressed in black with pistols attacked a socialist demonstration in Milan and burnt down the offices of Avanti!.
How did the fascists do in the 1919 election?
Extremely poorly, winning less than 5000 votes and no seats in Parliament. This led Mussolini to encourage the formation of more armed squads around italy
What was Fascist violence towards the socialists like in the first 5 months of 1921?
200 people were killed and 1000 wounded in fascist violence
What was the fascist outcome of the May 1921 elections?
Successful with 7% of the vote and 35 seats, despite PSI still achieving the highest vote
‘New Programme’
More conservative and right-wing. Dropped any mentions of the monarchy or the pope. Nationalisation of businesses was no longer included. More militaristic and called for compulsory services and the completion of the Italian irredente
PNF
Partito Nazionale Fascista made in October 1921
Who did the PNF appeal to?
The Urban middle class, professional white collar workers and small business owners. Also some workers and farmers who opposed the strength of the socialists and the violence used against labourers who wanted to work during strikes. Young people who were tired of the corrupt liberal order
