The rise and fall of fascism (1919-1926) Flashcards
(30 cards)
What was the name of the commanding officer of the squads and what did they wear?
RAS- blackshirt uniform, carrying a revolver and manganello (club) as weapons
When was Mussolini appointed as Prime Minister?
30 October 1922
What was the occupation of Fiume?
Gabrielle d’Annunzio and 2000 ex soldiers, futurists, students and patriots seized the port of Fiume without fighting on 12 September 1919
What did the ‘Blackshirts’ wear?
Black uniform
Emblem with a black flag with a white flag
What were the economic and social issues after war?
Demobilised soldiers seeking employment
Inflation levels were high
Wages and pensions declined rapidly
Companies (Fiat) struggled to stay afloat
What is meant by the term ‘mutilated victory’?
(Gabrielle d’Annunzio)- national shame disgracing 600,00 soldiers who lost their lives in the war, demonstrating Italy’s weakness compared to the other powers
How were the parliamentary elections of 1919?
Government changed proportional representation
Increase in number of people voting by 11 million
New law- Italians who served at front and males over 21 could participate
What was ‘Biennio Rosso’?
(1919-1920) Period of political turmoil whereby left wing socialists and communists were at their peak/ violent riots, telegraph worker strikes, army troops strikes, railway strikes
What was Niti condemned as and why?
“Cagoia”- abject coward. He allowed Yugoslavia to take Dalmatia and deemed Fuime neutral under the protection of the L.O.N, also reducing military spending because he wanted to be in favour with the allies as Italy needed coal and money
What was the PNF?
Partito Nationale Fascista(PNF)- political party Mussolini used whereby they founded local branches and tried to recruit more ‘respectable’ members
Which lands did Italy acquire as part of the T.O.L?
Trent, Trieste, Istria, Northern Dalmatia
What was the impact of the Occupation of Fiume?
D’Annunzio showed that the liberal government were weak and this was crucial in the rise of fascism as it showed that violence and decisive action leads to success
What was the impact of ‘Biennio Rosso’?
Chaos and fear led people (especially middle-class) to Fascism as they could violently confront the left-wing movement
What is meant by the term ‘trinceristi’?
Returned soldiers with the strength and morality to lead a new Italy, replicating the patriotic feeling of unity
Who had the Fascists appealed to by the end of 1921?
Urban middle classes Professional white-collar workers Small business owners Landowners Wealthy farmers and peasants
What did Vittorio Orlando argue that Italy should have?
Territory promised in T.OL and the port of Fiume
What was the PPI?
Partito Popolare Italiano (PPI)-1919
Catholic political party led by priest ‘Luigi Sturzo’
Results of 1919 elections
PSI won the greatest share of the vote with 32%
156 socialist deputies in parliament
PPI won 101 seats
What are the ‘squadrismo’?
Small, military units or squads of Fascists who answered socialist threat through violence
What was in the ‘New Programme’ (May 1920)
Calling for compulsory military service
Education system providing future soldiers with physical and moral training
Promising to sell off nationally owned businesses to private owners
What was the Fasci di Combattimento?
Organisation of ex soldiers formed by Mussolini on 23 March 1919
Who appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister?
King Victor Emmanuel III
What was the Acerbo law?
A law proposing that 2/3 of parliamentary seats would go to the party that won more than 25% of the vote
What were the terms of the Fasci programme made in June
Confiscation of church property End to monarchy, form a republic Suffrage extended to women and younger Italians 8 hour working day Nationalisation of armaments industry Progressive taxation
