Mussolini

Region

Italy

Background

Raised in a socialist society, experienced poverty, parents were blacksmiths and teachers

Rose to Power

Created fascist party Black Shirts after Italy didn't receive promised land post-war

Description

Charismatic, strong, ultra-nationalistic, not communist

Promise

Pledged to end corruption

Political Control

Acerbo Law allowed fascist party to pass any laws, state controlled everything

Secret police

OVRA

Party/system

Fascist

Religion

Atheist, Vatican recognized as a sovereign Nation (Lateran Treaty)

Military

Allowed arrests without trial, death penalty for crimes against the state

Education

Emphasized fascist rhetoric and military training

Youth

Established military youth groups to foster loyalty

Censorship/Propaganda

No free speech, promoted fascist ideas and Mussolini's achievements, enforced belief, obedience, and fighting

Economic Control

Mussolini controlled all banks, trade, major industries, and agriculture

Social Control

Male-dominated public and political life, encouraged large families, outlawed divorce, imposed bachelor tax, state as guardian of the family

Minorities

Oppressed radical, ethnic, religious, and political minorities