Fascism in Italy

Why was Italy bitter after the Great War?

Italy was bitter because it didn’t receive the promised land, faced social unrest with strikes and land seizures, returning veterans were unemployed, trade declined, taxes rose, and the government was politically divided.

Who became its new leader and how?

Benito Mussolini became Italy’s leader by organizing the March on Rome in 1922, using the Blackshirts and violence to pressure King Emmanuel III into making him prime minister.

Who were the Black Shirts and what did they want?

The Blackshirts were Mussolini’s supporters who used violence to enforce fascism, promote Italian nationalism, and help him seize power, including during the March on Rome.

What was the March on Rome?

The March on Rome was Mussolini’s staged takeover of government buildings in 1922, using the Blackshirts to pressure the king into appointing him prime minister.

What is Fascism

Fascism is a system of extreme nationalism where one leader has total control and the military is glorified.

Why was Fascism so popular

Fascism was popular because it promised order, national rebirth, and solutions after the chaos of WWI and the Great Depression.

What tactics were used to maintain power?

Mussolini maintained power through press censorship, the secret police (Gestapo), indoctrination of youth, radio propaganda, and a cult of personality to enforce devotion and promote fascism as the only acceptable rule.