Taking advantage of political unrest

When did Nitti resign and who was he replaced by?

9th June 1920, Giolitti

What was Giolitti’s response to Biennio Rosso?

Sought compromise with the workers, pressuring Italian banks to withdraw support from companies who would not negotiate with the workers, convinced businesses to allow workers representatives in management boards and encouraged businesses to allow workers shares in their businesses.

Who disliked Giolitti’s response to Biennio Rosso?

middle classes, industrialists, nationalists, catholics and landowners. They felt Giolitti had given in to the workers.

When was the PCI formed?

1921- radical members of the PSI split off to form the PCI

Why did the splitting of the PSI damage Italy’s left wing movement?

It split the vote between the PCI and the PSI

What did the PCI provide for Mussolini?

Proof that there was a real communist threat in Italy.

What did the PCI and PSI call in July 1922?

A 24-hour general strike across Italy. Workers were tired of striking and did not respond. Mussolini used this, claiming the strike had failed because of the actions of the fascists.

How did Giolitti try to absorb the fascists in the 1921 election?

He offered the members running for parliament a place on his national bloc.

What did Mussolini do immediately after being voted into parliament as a government backed candidate?

Mussolini said he would side with the opposition.

What were the deputy results of the 1921 election?

• 123 socialist deputies

• 15 communists

• 107 PPI

• 35 fascists

Which two PMs followed Giolitti?

Bonomi and then Facta