Topic Six (1.6): Establishment of a Dictatorship, Repression of Opposition
Introduction
Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy in October 1922, but there were only three other fascists in the Italian government. However, by 1926, Mussolini had effectively established a personal dictatorship in Italy through his fascist regime. This was done in two stages:
- Consolidation of power 1922–24
- Creation of a dictatorship 1924–26
Read and Make Notes
- Read pages 124 to 128 in European Dictatorships 1918-1945 and make notes under the following headings:
- Parliamentary compromise and coercion;
- The Acerbo Law;
- The Matteotti crisis;
- Repression in 1925;
- Constitutional amendments, 1925-26.
- Use these links to add further detail to your notes:
READ – Mussolini: Consolidation of Power (PDF) Links to an external site.
WATCH – Mussolini Becomes Absolute Dictator (Il Duce) Links to an external site.
Tasks
- Read the following and plan an answer to the following question: ‘The murder of Matteotti was the turning point in Mussolini’s rise to power.’ How far do you agree? (30 marks)
READ – The Murder of Matteotti (History Learning Site) Links to an external site.
- Check your plan against the criteria in the mark scheme for Paper 4.
Research
To what extent was Mussolini responsible for the murder of Matteotti?
Terminology
Explain why Italy in 1926 was a diarchy. Read the following:
READ – Mussolini’s Dictatorship (History Learning Site) Links to an external site.
Stretch Activity
- Read pages 127 to 129 in European Dictatorships 1918-1945.
- Did a fascist revolution take place, or did the traditional elites limit the control of the Fascist Party?
Consolidate
Complete this summary task on the potential sources of opposition to Mussolini and actions he took to overcome them.
PRINT OUT & COMPLETE – Summary Task: Opposition to Mussolini Download PRINT OUT & COMPLETE – Summary Task: Opposition to Mussolini