Mussolini’s Rise - Rome, Ve3 and Appointment

Question 1

1st August 1922

Answer 1

Socialists call general strike but it’s poorly supported and fascists claim it was due to their actions

Question 2

16 October 1922

Answer 2

Mussolini meets with other Fascist leaders who agree to plan a takeover of the Italian government

Question 3

24th October 1922

Answer 3

Fascist congress in Naples where Mussolini tells fascists that he will be appointed prime minister of he will seize power

Question 4

27th October 1922

Answer 4

Fascists March on Rome and take control of telephone exchanges, police stations, and government offices in parts of northern Italy and Facta asks the king to authorise the army to stop fascists.

Question 5

28th October 1922

Answer 5

King agrees on martial law at 2am and Mussolini’s arrest is ordered but at 9am the king decides not to enforce martial law, Facta resigns, king turns towards Salamdra who doesn’t form a government

Question 6

29th October 1922

Answer 6

No other liberal politician able to gain support for a government, the king decides to invite Mussolini to become prime minister of italy

Question 7

30 October 1922

Answer 7

Mussolini arrives in Rome and meets with king to be sworn in as Prime minister of Italy

Question 8

31st October 1922

Answer 8

Victory parade by squadristi who march through rome

Question 9

Who was pushing for a march on Rome and the violent takeover of government?

Answer 9

The ras

Question 10

Why did Mussolini feel that being appointed constitutionally was a better option?

Answer 10

Stronger position, as leader of Italy and his party and was fearful of the Military.

Question 11

What was the character of Victor Emmanuel III like?

Answer 11

Weak and indecisive

Question 12

What factors influenced VE3’s decision to appoint Mussolini?

Answer 12

• He lacked confidence in Facta to control the situation.
• Had been encouraged by Salandra to not sign the decree
• Feared the military wouldn’t obey his orders and would side with fascists
• Deterred by the idea of bloodshed
• His cousin, Duke of Aosta, supported fascists and Mussolini hinted if fascists took over he could be replaced.

Question 13

Why did Salandra, Orlando and Giolitti all recommend Mussolini to be Appointed?

Answer 13

They each wanted to be prime minister but were rivals and didn’t want to recommend each other

Question 14

How did Mussolini make an act of political showmanship during October 1922?

Answer 14

Unhooked his phone and visited the theatre to demonstrate his calmness in a time of political uncertainty

Question 15

Quadrumvirs

Answer 15

Four main leaders of fascism who Mussolini gave the task of organising the march on Rome.

Question 16

Who were the four main leaders of Fascism?

Answer 16

Quadrumvirs,
Michele Bianchi, Emilio De Bono, Cesare Maria de Vecchi and Italo Bablo