The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy Under Mussolini

Posted on Feb 14, 2025 in History

The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy

The Rise of Mussolini: Causes

  • Post-War Economic Crisis: Inflation, strikes, and widespread protests destabilized the nation.
  • Creation of the Fasci: Groups of citizens trained as soldiers to maintain order.
  • Fasci de Combattimento (Blackshirts): A paramilitary group with ultranationalist ideology, opposing socialist parties and trade unions.
  • Formation of the National Fascist Party: Consolidating power under a single banner.
  • The March on Rome: This forced the government to step down, leading King Victor Emmanuel III to ask Mussolini to form a government.

Characteristics of Mussolini’s Fascist Italy

  • Transformation to Dictatorship: Mussolini dismantled the democratic state.
  • Absolute Power:
    • Leader of the Nationalist Fascist Party
    • Head of the Government
    • Prohibition of all other political parties
    • Creation of the Chamber of Fasces
    • Italian expansion in Africa
  • Autarky: Establishment of a self-sufficient and independent economy, promoting mines and arms production.
  • Suppression of Dissent: Elimination of protests through the removal of rights.
  • Indoctrination: Control of the population through the education system.