This document provides background on the rise of fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini. It describes the poor economic and political conditions in Italy after World War I that allowed Mussolini and the fascist party to gain support. Mussolini transformed Italy into a fascist dictatorship through passing laws to control the legislature, censoring press, and gaining control of the armed forces and secret police. While establishing authoritarian rule, the fascist government also improved infrastructure, ended strikes and violence, and made some economic gains for Italy.

1. RISE OF FASCIST ITALYBy Piyush Gupta

2. BACKGROUND Italy followed a policy of neutrality during the first year of first world war despite her being a member of the triple alliance She suffered defeats and humiliation. It alleged that it was deceived by allies. Conditions were becoming bad to worse after the war as value of money was falling down resulting in total stagnation in trade and commerce and unemployment afflicted youth.

3. Against these odds, government by Giolitti (a middle class liberal) was unstable. It was opposed by ‘Popular Party’ which was equally weak. To prevent forces of anarchy, revolution and communism from taking over, ex-soldires & patriots joined and formed a highly developed organization- the Fascist(Fasciodicombattimento) by Mussolini, an ex-socilist.

4. CAREER OF MUSSOLINI Benito Mussolini was born at Predappio near Forli(Romagna) in 1883. Son of a blacksmith and mother worked as a school teacher. He started as teacher, then turned socialist and finally became the editor of a socialist newspaper. His activities offended Switzerland’s neutral policy and thus was given a notice to quit.

5. His speech at socialist congress in 1912 attracted nationwide attention. Thus he became editor of Avanti, an Italian socialist party's newspaper. When great war broke out in 1914, by urging his country to join war, annoyed party leaders and he was forced to resign. Founded ‘ilpopolo d’ italia’, a newspaper advocating Italian intervention in war. When war was in full swing he joined army, and faught at Isonzo front. He was wounded, as a result was discharged from army, continued to work for his newspaper.

6. THE FASCIST PARTY MAIN DEMANDS- proportional representation, eight-hours work, heavy capital levy and inheritance tax, dissolution of senate , nationalization of certain industries, annexation of Fiume and Dalmatian etc. They fought the “red menace”, which was there fight with the red coupled with militant nationalism which won the heart of bourgeoisies class, ex-soldiers, peasants and workers. Aim was to restore full authority of government and advocacy of national syndicalism.

7. Weapons included vigorous propaganda campaigns through speeches, books, papers & pamphlets to convince the people. In 1921, 35 Fascist were elected to the parliament, and there program became more radical. In October 1922, Mussolini addressing the grand Fascist Congress at Naples, declared that he would overthrow the parliamentary government and establish a true national government. He gave the clarion call to his followers ” on to Rome” Government fell, Mussolini then 39, became the youngest prime minister .

8. FASCIST DICTATORSHIP Mussolini demanded dictatorial powers for about a year to end disorder and violence in the country. Armed with extraordinary powers, Mussolini began to appoint his loyal fellows at key positions in the administration . By getting the Acerbo Election Law passed by parliament he tend to control the legislature. In 1924 Fascist gained majority of votes, by terror tactics.

9. In 1929 elections the Blackshirts frightened the voters with dire consequences if they vote against them(Fascist party). Press was censored and the paper belonging to opposition was totally banned. Mussolini became the supreme commander of armed forces, and was only answerable to the king . Education institutes were brought under state control. Death penalty (earlier abolished) was revived back. Secret forces came under direct control of Mussolini.

10. BENEFITS OF FASCIST RULE Maintenance of law and order. Large scale violence and strikes were stopped. Put an end to the stained relations between the Catholic Church and the state(the Lateran Treaty). Thus it can be said that the “prisoner of the Vatican “ was liberated.

11. MUSSOLINI’S ECONOMIC POLICY The key was to bring self-sufficiency of the state in all aspects. Launched the “battle of the Wheat” fot this. Financed hydroelectric projects and encouraged merchant-marine. Imposed high tariff on imports and promoted exports. Imposed taxes on rich. Transportation and communication improved.

12. Established a “corporate state”, of which all trade unions and employers were part of. In 1930, launched ‘ National Council of Corporations, with aim to promote jobs, settlement of disputes etc. Promulgated a “charter of Labour”, which gave guarantee to workers for wages, extra payments etc.

13. Achievements of Mussolini Trains ran on time No strikes or violence Begging was eradicated Tourist industry flourished Education was compulsory for students Currency became stable Airplanes were manufactured indigenously New cables were laid etc.

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