the fall of the fascist state 1935-1946

Question 1

what were the key factors leading to the decline of Mussolini’s regime by 1943

Answer 1

• military failures in World War II
• economic hardship
• loss of public support
• erosion of Mussolini’s authority

Question 2

how did Italy’s involvement in World War II contribute to the fall of Fascism

Answer 2

• Italy’s military defeats and the strain of war led to widespread dissatisfaction and weakened the Fascist regime

Question 3

what was the significance of the allied invasion of Sicily in 1943

Answer 3

• marked a turning point, leading to Mussolini’s arrest and the collapse of his government

Question 4

what role did King Victor Emmanuel II play in Mussolini’s downfall

Answer 4

• king dismissed Mussolini and appointed Badoglio, signalling the end of Fascist rule

Question 5

what was the Italian Social Republic and how did it function

Answer 5

• RSI was a Nazi backed puppet state led by Mussolini in northern Italy, lacking real autonomy

Question 6

how did the Italian republic respond to the establishment of the RSI

Answer 6

many Italians opposed the RSI, leading to increased resistance and civil unrest

Question 7

what were the main features of the Italian Resistance movement

Answer 7

• resistance included diverse groups united against Fascism and Nazi occupation, engaging in guerrilla warfare and sabotage

Question 8

how did the fall of Fascism impact Italy’s post-war political landscape

Answer 8

• it led to the abolition of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the drafting of a new democratic constitution

Question 9

what was the fate of Mussolini after the fall of the Fascist state

Answer 9

Mussolini was captured and executed by Italian partisans in April 1945

Question 10

how did the legacy of Fascism influence post-war Italy

Answer 10

the experience of Fascism led to a strong commitment to democracy and civil liberties in post-war Italy