Opposition and control under Mussolini Flashcards
(68 cards)
How did Mussolini compromise with the monarchy? (2 points)
-Allowed the king to remain head of state.
-Didn’t erode the constitutional monarchy
How did the King compromise with Mussolini? (2 points)
-Not a great supporter of fascism but didn’t oppose Mussolini as long as he was able to retain some power.
-Didn’t get rid of the 1938 anti-semitic decrees or use the army to curb fascism.
How did the King resist Mussolini?
-Refused to adopt the fascist flag as the Italian flag.
How did Mussolini gain control of the military (3 key points)
-Had to give their loyalty to the Duce.
-Made himself minister of War.
-Promotion of generals led to more adopting fascist attitudes and joining PNF.
Evidence of the military not being under Mussolini’s control? (2 points)
-Was allowed to run independently
-Running of armed forces left to under-secretaries.
What did Mussolini allow civil servants to do?
Keep their jobs- to avoid the unrest that would come with replacing them.
How many civil servants were members of the fascist party?
15% by 1927.
Which of Mussolini’s initiatives for civil servants led to increased PNF membership?
Rewarded loyalty and introducing policies that conservatives would support. PNF membership therefore increased in the 30s due to the realisation that promotion depended on support for the regime.
How was Mussolini’s dealing with the judiciary more aggressive? (2 points)
-Purge of ‘undesirable elements’ in judges; dozens were sacked for not supporting fascism or being too independent of the government.
-Imprisonment without trial became more common and Mussolini had major say over verdicts in court.
What did Mussolini do to limit parliament? (2 points)
-Made himself head of government, only accountable to the King.
-Only Mussolini, not parliament, could initiate legislation. Parl no longer able to change laws/ criticise gov.
What did Mussolini ban in 1925?
Opposition parties; fascist deputies dominated chamber.
What happened to elections? (2 points)
-Free elections ceased to exist
-Reduced electorate to exclude w/c.
How did the fascists exert control over elections?
Had to approve all candidates. Results were rigged to show over 98% approval for the regime.
What happened to parliament in 1939?
Abolished and replaced.
What aspect of government did Mussolini allow to remain?
The senate, whose members were appointed by the King.
How many members of the senate were not part of the PNF?
148 by 1932.
What empowered the FGC?
Formalised in the constitution as the most important legal body in the state in 1928.
Who was put in charge of local governments?
Conservative elites appointed by Mussolini- as Prefects.
What political ideology did these Prefects align with?
Not always fascism; but appointment by Mussolini meant they were loyal to him.
Who did Mussolini’s management of local government limit?
The Ras; not allowing them control over local governments meant Mussolini could strengthen his control over the PNF.
What was Mussolini’s aim for the PNF?
Minimise its power; the PNF would serve him, not the other way around.
How did Mussolini ensure his party’s loyalty to him? (2 key points)
-In 1925, appointed Farinacci to purge the party of those critical of Mussolini.
-In 1929, organised a purge of fascists suspected of disloyalty. 50-60,000 members were thrown out of the party and 110,000 left voluntarily.
Following the 1929 purge of disloyal fascists, who did Mussolini install to replace?
800,000 new fascists.
Evidence of repression of socialists?
Socialist deputy Tito Zanibomi arrested for allegedly trying to assassinate Mussolini; M banned Zaniboni’s party the PSU.
