Topic Four (1.4): Reasons for Mussolini’s Appointment as Prime Minister

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

You need to understand the stages by which Mussolini gained power between 1920 and 1922.

These are:

  • establishing a broader appeal;
  • intimidation;
  • the March on Rome and its significance;
  • the role of Victor Emmanuel III;
  • Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read pages 114 to 115 in European Dictatorships 1918-1945 and make notes on the topic under the headings above, to construct an overview.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Use the following resources to add detail to each development:

READ – Origins of the Fascist Party (PDF) Links to an external site.

READ – The March on Rome (History Learning Site) Links to an external site.

READ – Mussolini’s March on Rome (PDF) Links to an external site.

READ – Mussolini’s ‘March’ on Rome 80 Years On (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • Now answer the following questions:
    1. Why did the King let Mussolini have dictatorial powers?
    2. What were Mussolini’s motives for creating the ‘Myth of the March’?

Watch Icon.png Watch

Now watch the following video:

WATCH – Mussolini Becomes Prime Minister (Khan Academy) Links to an external site.

Reflect Icon.png Reflect

  • Look at this list of reasons for the rise of the Fascists (1920-22). Can you add any others?
  • Can you explain each and support with a specific example?
    • Disgust in Italy at the terms of the Treaty of Saint-Germain;
    • The Fascists represented a means to stop the socialists and the communists;
    • Mussolini was backed by wealthy industrialists and landowners;
    • Support from Pope Pius XI and the Vatican;
    • Lack of faith in Italy’s institutions;
    • Economic issues;
    • After the March on Rome, the King offered the post of Prime Minister to Mussolini;
    • Intimidated opponents;
    • The complicity of the police and the army.
  • Then try to group into bigger themes – we suggest:
    • The strengths of the Fascists;
    • The weaknesses of Liberal Italy by 1922;
    • The support of Italian elites;
    • The impact of the First World War.
  • Which do you see as most crucial? Explain why.
  • Which factor does this conclusion prioritise?

READ – How Did Mussolini Rise to Power as the Dictator of Italy? (Daily History) Links to an external site.

  • Plan an answer to the following question: ‘How far do you agree that Mussolini became Prime Minister in 1922 because the Fascists could offer strong government?’ (30 marks)
  • See possible factors in the following document:

Download CHECK – Topic 1.4 Answer Sheet

Stretch Icon.png Stretch Activity

Summarise the argument here:

READ – “This is the Violence of Which I Approve”: A Short History of the Political Violence that Helped Mussolini Attain Power (Slate) Links to an external site.