Transcript File - Mrs Ellwanger

Italy is upset after WWI and their treatment at the Treaty
of Versailles. This unrest opens the door for FASCISM
and a leader so controversial that Hitler would call him a
role model..
INTERWAR YEARS
The Rise of Mussolini in Italy
Benito Mussolini
(1883-1945)
Problems in Italy after WWI
• 460,000 soldiers killed
• Heavy debt
• Britain and France did not give Italy the
land they promised
• Governments were all coalitions that
couldn’t make decisions
• Rising unemployment led to unrest in
cities
Fascism
• DEFINITION:
An authoritarian government that
exalts nation and race above the
individual. Usually headed by a
dictatorial leader and includes a severe
economic and social regimentation,
and forcible suppression of opposition.
Why Fascism?
Fascism, to some extent, was a product of a general
feeling of anxiety and fear among the middle class of
post-war Italy:
•
Fears regarding the survival of capitalism.
•
Economic depression.
•
The rise of a militant left.
•
A feeling of national shame and humiliation at
Italy’s poor treatment by the other Entente
leaders after World War I - especially at
Versailles.
Effects of Fascism
•The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over
the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe.
- This foe could be racial, ethnic, a religious minority, liberals,
communists, etc.
•Because of the fear of enemies and the need for security,
the people are persuaded that human rights can be ignored
out of “need.”
•People look the other way or even approve of torture,
summary executions, long incarcerations of prisoners,
assassinations, etc.
Mussolini Gains Power
• Benito Mussolini set up a Fascist Party and
promised to solve Italy’s problems
• Promised to rebuild Italy and recreate the Roman
Empire
• Organized armed gangs called the “Blackshirts”
• Came to power in 1922 and was appointed Prime
Minister by King Victor Emmanuel to prevent a
Communist Revolution in Italy
1922 March on Rome
• To establish Mussolini and the Fascist Party
as the most important party in Italy
• In 1921 the fascist parties in Italy joined
together to form the Fascist Party
• Mussolini said this at a party conference:
"Either the government will be given to us or will shall seize it by
marching on Rome."
Mussolini’s Italy
• Mussolini not satisfied merely with political control
• Used threats, violence, political skill to outlaw all opposition
• Tried to influence Italians’ thoughts, feelings, behaviors
• Government attempt to control all aspects of life is totalitarianism
• Used propaganda to promote Italy’s greatness
• Established festivals, holidays to remind Italians of proud Roman heritage
The Invasion of Ethiopia
• Mussolini set out to make Italy strong military power
• Looked for easy target, settled on Ethiopia
• Ethiopia had two serious disadvantages, located
between two Italian colonies, military ill-equipped;
Italian forces crushed Ethiopia.
• 935
Appeals to League of Nations
• Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie appealed to
League to take action against Italy’s aggression
• No nation willing to get involved, to risk another
world war
• League placed economic sanctions on Italy, took
no real action
Mussolini and Hitler
•Hitler and Mussolini
had a close relationship.
October
1936 they
Mussolini was Hitler’s In
ROLE
model…
signed a non-military
alliance.
Mussolini and Hitler
•Mussolini signed a full
defensive alliance with
Nazi Germany in the
Pact of Steel.
Warning!
Image
Of
Mussolini’s
Body