Benito Mussolini was the dictator of Italy from 1922-1943. Under his leadership, Italy fell under fascist control
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND BELIEFS
What is Fascism?
• Intense nationalism and elitism
• interests of the state (government) are more important than individual rights
• Citizens denied basic rights and liberties, government controls all aspects of daily life.
• Military strength and war
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND BELIEFS
What is Fascism?
• Intense nationalism and elitism
- Powerful dictator
• interests of the state (government) are more important than individual rights
• Citizens denied basic rights and liberties, government controls all aspects of daily life.
• Military strength and war
- Government control of economy.
SPECIFIC EVENTS/TACTICS USED
- Italy had also suffered greatly after WWI. They suffered high casualties and felt they had gained nothing in the Treaty of Versailles. Many Italians resented the democratic government that had made decisions during the war and then accepted the terms of the peace treaty.
- Italy was also hurt economically. High inflation rates and unemployment was rampant.
- Mussolini promised to fix these problems help restore a great Roman empire.
- Mussolini rose up in the Fascist party and called for a March on Rome to demand change. This show of force convinced King Victor Emmanuel to put Mussolini at the head of government.
- Il Duce (The leader) was now the dictator of Italy (1928).
- Mussolini used all of the tactics listed below to rise to power and maintain it once he was dictator
- Violence
- Use of secret police and paramilitary organizations
•Eliminate opponents
•Propaganda
•Speeches
•Mass rallies
•Scapegoat (blame others)
•Censorship (limit information)
OUTCOME
- Mussolini was not as successful as Hitler is solving the unemployment problem.
- He did gain land for Italy, especially in Africa (Ethiopia).
- Mussolini allied himself with Hitler in 1936.
- Nearly 20% of Italian Jews were deported to death camps during the course of the war.
- Mussolini's rule caused short term gains, but devastated Italy. Mussolini was ultimately captured by his own people and executed.