Mussolini's early economic and foreign policy

Who was appointed as Mussolini's Finance Minister in $1922$?

De Stefani, who was a Liberal.

What specific tax reductions were implemented by De Stefani to please businessmen?

He reduced taxes on war profits, cut corporate tax, and cut inheritance tax.

According to the notes, how did Mussolini change the exchange value of the lire?

He reduced it from $£1 = 150$ lire to $\pounds1=90$ lire.

Why did businessmen dislike Mussolini's intervention in the value of the lire?

Because it made Italian goods more expensive for foreign buyers to purchase.

When was the 'Battle for Wheat' launched, and what was its primary mechanism?

It was launched in $1925$ and functioned by increasing tariffs for grain being brought in from abroad.

What were the intended and unintended consequences of the 'Battle for Wheat'?

It was designed to increase domestic wheat production but caused inflation (higher food prices) and lower wages for workers.

What was 'Aim I' of Mussolini's foreign policy?

To restore national pride.

What details are provided about the $1896$ Battle of Adowa?

It was a humiliating disaster due to poor organization that resulted in the deaths of $5000$ Italian men.

Which territories, promised to Italy, were withheld following the victory at Vittorio Veneto and the Treaty of Versailles in $1919$?

Dalmatia, South Tyrol, Trentino + Istria

What phrase was used to describe the perceived failure of the Treaty of Versailles despite Italy's victory?

'mutilated victory'

What was the objective of the 'Mare Nostrum' policy?

To dominate the Mediterranean sea to ensure access to the Atlantic, similar to the Roman Empire

How did Mussolini plan to address the struggle to control Libya due to guerrilla war?

By Italianising the colony and moving settlers there

To which historical humiliation did Mussolini refer when planning his expansion into East Africa?

Battle of Adowa

What was the financial compensation Mussolini received from Greece following a conflict?

50 million lire

What pact did Mussolini sign with Britain, France, and Germany to elevate his status as a European statesman?

Locarno Pact in 1925

What was the Corfu Crisis?

Mussolini bombed and occupied in August $1923$ after blaming the Greek government for the murder of an Italian general

Who was the local chieftain in Albania that Mussolini funded?

What did he encourage Italian companies to invest in?

Zog

Invest in Albanian economy

What was the significance of the Treaty of Friendship + when was it signed?

It marked Italy's political control over Albania in 1926

According to the transcript, who was appointed in $1922$ to handle economic policy and please businessmen?

De Siberal

What currency revaluation figure is associated with 'Maoni' in the notes?

Changing the worth of the Lira from $150$ to $1-90$

What was the goal of the 'Bate for leaf' initiated in $1925$?

To increase domestic production of wheat and limit grain being brought in from abroad

Who supported Mussolini’s aim of restoration of national pride?

Industrialists, landowners, and the army

What were Mussolini’s 3 aims of foreign policy?

• to restore national pride

• mare nostrum

• empire