How did Mussolini take control of the government in Italy?

Answer 1

The problems caused by long-term Italian political, economic and social weaknesses which were exacerbated after the impact of the country’s involvement in WWI was definitely one of the long-term causes of Mussolini’s becoming prime minister and eventually having complete power over Italy. The people never got used to the parliamentary monarchy that had been created in 1870, and as Italy became increasingly unstable especially after the war, the people were attracted to ideas that fascism embraced - of replacing the monarchy with a republic, confiscating the properly of the Catholic church, establishing a national minimum wage, votes for women, etc. These seemed to meet the interests of the people – something which the liberal government had failed to do.

By 1922, fascism’s vigorous and effective anti-socialism, stress on patriotism, and emphasis on Mussolini’s leadership helped to appeal to the majority. Further, the squadristi (members of the fascist paramilitary movement) which formed the violent yet deeply patriotic element of fascism, continued to emphasize their virility and highly contributed to the popularity of the ideology.

On 27 October 1922, in order to convince the government and the King that the fascists would embark on a revolutionary take-over, Mussolini had organized the March on Rome, where four columns of marchers starting from different points were each led by a prominent fascist. This created an impetus for the King to decide what to do next – to force the current prime minister Luigi Facta to resign, and appoint Mussolini as the new Prime Minister to prevent the uprising of the March on Rome.

Initially King Emmanuel was planning to appoint Antonio Salandra (the great enemy of Giovanni Giolitti who was an awfully unpopular Prime Minister before Luigi Facta succeeded his position) as Prime Minister, but without the cooperation of a strong fascist element – in other words, Mussolini - in the cabinet, the King figured it would be difficult to maintain the government.

So, recognizing Mussolini’s and fascism’s popularity and its potential in keeping Italy stable, King Victor Emmanuel III decided to appoint Mussolini as Prime Minister on 31 October 1922.

For the squadristi members who had dreamed of a revolutionary conquest of Rome and the forcible seizure of the state, Mussolini’s rise to power and thus the denaturation of the March on Rome was a total anti-climax. For Mussolini, however, it was a great political and personal triumph.

Answer 2

Mussolini Government

Answer 3

After the war Mussolini attacked Vittorio Orlando for failing to achieve Italy's objectives at the Versailles Peace Treaty and helped to organize the various right-wing groups in Italy into the Fascist Party. After a series of riots in 1922 King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Mussolini in an attempt to prevent a communist revolution in Italy.

Answer 4

weaknesses of king victor Emmanuel iii IN Italy before mussolin

Answer 5

He was voted into power... just goes to show that Bush is not the ONLY dictator that could win an election.