Italy and Fascism

Setting

• 1920’s: Italy upset about land gained from Treaty of Versailles

• Chaos in government, corrupt politicians

• People are losing faith in the government (a constitutional monarchy)

King Victor Emanuel III

Mussolini: “Believe, Obey, Fight”

• Revive Roman greatness: symbols, power

• Black shirts= roving thugs, enforcers

• Great speaker

• Nicknamed “Il Duce” (The Leader)

• Economic power held by state through representatives, still capitalist though

Young Black Shirts

Fascism • Totalitarian gov’t, non-communist• Extreme nationalism, state’s needs above individual’s• Individuals give up freedoms to the state• Emphasized discipline, loyalty (to the state in

particular)• Young are educated to obey• Women have a lesser role, baby producers• Social Darwinism on a national level, leads to racism• Hate communism• Promised a strong, stable gov’t, national pride, power

and confidence, fixed things• Radical change from what seemed to not be working

Characteristics of a Totalitarian State

• 1. Single party

• 2. State controlled economy

• 3. Police spies and state terror

• 4. Censorship

• 5. Schools and media teach young

• 6. Obedience to ruler