The Matteoti crisis Flashcards
What did Giacomo Matteoti do on 30th May 1924?
He gave a 30 minute speech in the chamber of deputies in which he denounced fascist violence and called for an annulment of the 1924 election results
How did fascists deputies respond to Matteoti’s speech in the chamber?
Determined to stop him, they constantly interrupted his speech, meaning it took him to hours to complete
What did Matteoti say as he left the chamber, showing that he was well aware of the likely outcome of opposing the fascists?
‘Now you can prepare my funeral oration’
What happened to Matteoti 11 days after he delivered his speech?
He found his way to the chamber blocked by a gang of ex-squadristi. They bundled him into a car and stabbed him 36 times
What did Matteoti shout as he was being captured?
‘You may kill me, but you will not kill the idea. The workers will bless my dead body’
Who did the car that abducted Matteoti belonf to?
Filipelli, a leading fascist
Who was the murder traced to?
Dumini
Who was Dumini?
- A member of the secret police called the Cheka that had been set up by Mussolini
- Nicknamed ‘nine homicides’
- Personal assistant to Mussolini’s press secretary and personal confidont, Cesare Rossi
What was the negative impact of the crisis for Mussolini?
He faced a crisis that could topple him from power. There was a widespread belief that he was involved in the murder of his primary political opponent. Fierce criticism came from many sections of the press. Large crowds gathered in the streets to protest. People tore up fascists membership cards. The communists called for a general strike
What question did the crisis raise about the fascist movement?
Was it a terrorist regime whose opponents were at the mercy of fascist thugs, or was it merely a strengthened form of parliamentary government that acted within the law
