Question 2

How important was the appeal of Fascism in the rise to power of Mussolini?

This question requires you to discuss all of the reasons why Mussolini gained power. The word ‘appeal’ (in the question) requires an assessment of stability, order, the revival of Italy’s prestige and, of course, the appeal of Fascist ideology.

Paragraph One

• The challenge to parliamentary democracy in post-war Europe
• This had recently been established and was not working well
• Discontent evident in Italy with regard to the political system
• Dissatisfaction with Treaty of Versailles
• Fear of social disorder and threat to private property

Paragraph Two

• Weak political structure –
  • hostile Church
  • masses saw democracy as middle class concern for liberal freedom rather than improving the lot of the common people
  • undermining of democracy by entry into war (1915)
  • state dominated by interest groups

Paragraph Three

• Post-war situation:
• 1919 general elections – Liberals lose control
• Difficulties forming effective and stable government – parliamentary paralysis
• Attitude of public opinion to post-war settlement’s failure to deliver the promises of the Treaty of London (1915)

Paragraph Four

• Land seizure and factory occupations
• Core of new Fascist Party formed from ex-servicemen
• Offered to suppress the Left for the aristocracy and industrialists
• Seemed to promise the restoration of order
• Found support in armed forces and Royal family
• Catholic middle classes feared Socialism so gave support to Mussolini

Paragraph Five

• Why Mussolini was appointed – not because of the appeal of Fascism but for the promise of law and order (Fascist ideas rather vague and not widely known yet)
• It appeared there was no alternative – the king feared for his position so agreed to let Mussolini lead a coalition
• Importance of March on Rome – Fascism favoured by official Italy-a mainly liberal parliament voted for Mussolini
• Alternatives? Bolshevism or military dictatorship