Italy: The Rise of Fascism The Origins of Fascism in Italy

Key Themes for the lesson n The shift from Left to Right n How was Mussolini able to move the Fascists from being a Socialist movement in 1919 to a Right Wing political party by 1921?

The Formation of the Fascist Movement n Formed at a meeting of about 100 people in a hall in Milan 23rd March 1919 n Named Fascio di Combattimento n Ex Soldiers, former socialists, “Syndicalists”, “Futurists” n No clear aims or manifesto n Mussolini made it clear that he wanted to seize power n Showed contempt for political parties- wanted the Fascists to be a movement- more flexible than a political party: therefore could attract a wide range of support

How successful was Fascism? n Mussolini undecided about what he wanted at first- no coherent programme n On the other hand this gave him flexibility not to be tied to a particular doctrine n To begin with the programme was republican, anti clerical, female suffrage (votes for women), minimum wage, PR n November 1919 election Fascists got less than 5000 votes n Only 1000 members at the end of 1919 n Economic situation dominated post-war Italy- importantly Fascists seen as being a rival to the PSI- also seen as too aggressive. PSI more established. n Decision to enter the election was a mistake- but crucial in the change of direction

What is Fascism? n The word ‘fascio’ literally means ‘group’ or ‘bunch’ n Mussolini’s squads were called ‘Fascio di Combattimento n Mussolini took the ‘fasces’ tightly bound rods and axe as the symbol- this was a symbol of power that a Roman Magistrate used as the symbol of office n Fascists wore a black- shirt uniform- this was also the uniform of the ‘shock brigades’ Arditi from WWI. D’ Annunzio had also used them in Fiume n straight arm salute - used by the ancient Romans

THE ORIGINAL FASCISTS EX SOLDIERS EXPERIENCE OF WAR NATIONAL REVOLUTION

DISSATISFACTION WITH THE STATUS QUO Although radical and ‘left wing’- Fascists fought early on with PSI who were seen as traitors. Fascism was seen as a way of providing radical ‘nationalist- socialist’ alternative

THE FEARS OF THE RURAL AND URBAN ELITE The ‘Socialist threat’ was not being handled by the government. Therefore many were willing to fund the Fascist squads to fight Socialism

MUSSOLINI MAKES HIS MOVE It is important to emphasise the localised nature of Fascism- dealing with Socialism in the towns and countryside. The Shift to the Right was Mussolini’s attempt to attract more than just ex soldiers and disaffected workers to his programme.

RURAL FASCISM The organisation of local fascist leaders or Ras- who set up the Fascist ‘Squads’

THE CONCERNS OF THE RAS Selling out?

MISCALCULATION BY GOVERNMENT- FOOTHOLD IN POWER By 1921 the Fascists had gained 35 seats in parliament.

SEIZURE OF POWER/ LEGAL REVOLUTION? Formation of the PNF

Summary ‘Fascism had elements of both left and right…It was revolutionary but could also claim to be conservative. It was monarchist but also republican at different times. It was Catholic but also anti clerical; it claimed to be Socialist, but also could be strongly capitalist whenever it suited the Duce to be so. Fascism was not a doctrine, not ideas, not ideology, but was really a means for winning power by a single man’ D Mack Smith ‘Sleeping Car to Power’ (1990)

Which direction for Mussolini? n Pressure from both radicals and moderates n Would Mussolini go for ‘revolution’ or ‘normalisation’ n Had to perform a balancing act- Fascists were small in number in parliament (35) and there were only 4 Fascists in the Cabinet. n Ras had got him into power. However the Elite could keep him there n Power had been gained through threats and violence- not by widespread support n Mussolini now P.M- he had to deliver and solve Italy’s problems- would this be ‘just another coalition government?- King could sack him at any point.

1922- ‘Creeping Dictatorship’? n November granted emergency powers for one year to deal with immediate domestic problems n Creation of a Fascist Grand Council- alternative to the Cabinet n Creation of a new Fascist Militia- MVSN n Mussolini’s aim was to somehow gain a Fascist majority in Parliament

The Acerbo Law July 1923 n Mussolini’s attempt to gain a Fascist majority in parliament- named after the Fascist Deputy who suggested the bill in parliament. n Replace the P.R system- 25% of the votes would deliver 2/3 of the seats in Parliament n This was passed overwhelmingly in Parliament. n Blackshirts watched the vote taking place in the parliament chamber n In the 1924 election the Fascists gained 2/3 of the votes

Crisis for Mussoloni- The Murder of Matteotti