Totalitarianism in Italy I Italy like most European

-Totalitarianism in Italy-

I. Italy, like most European nations, faced problems after WWI A. Italian nationalists were upset that Italy did not obtain more territory at the Paris peace conference 1. They considered their government weak

B. Italy had economic problems 1. Unemployment led to worker revolts C. The increasing popularity of socialism concerned many members of the middle class

II. Benito Mussolini organized the Fascist Party in Italy A. Fascists glorified the state – “Nothing against the state” B. Fascists criticized Democracy because they said it destroyed unity

C. Fascists opposed Communism because they supported free enterprise and private land ownership 1. The middle class supported Fascism because Fascists promised to crush Communism

D. Fascists supported aggressive nationalism 1. Italians saw Fascism as a method to revive the glory of Rome

III. The “March on Rome” would bring Mussolini to power A. Mussolini’s supporters, the Black Shirts, terrorized communists and union leaders in cities

B. In 1922, Mussolini’s forces came to Rome 1. King Victor Emmanuel III chose not to fight 2. He appointed Mussolini Prime Minister

IV. By 1923, Mussolini had positioned himself as dictator A. Italy was a Totalitarian state B. Although Mussolini opposed Communism; his government began to control major industries 1. This was called the “Corporate System”

C. Mussolini sought to extend the Italian empire 1. He took territory from Albania and Yugoslavia 2. Italy had failed to colonize Ethiopia in 1896 but was successful in taking the African country over in 1935