"Mussolini knew that he could never influence those with education and culture, so his propaganda was solely aimed at the 'ignorant masses' "How far do you agree with this assessment of Fascist propaganda? (1924-1936)

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Sophie Morley U6 (2)                History        

“Mussolini knew that he could never influence those with education and culture, so his propaganda was solely aimed at the ‘ignorant masses’ ”

How far do you agree with this assessment of Fascist propaganda? (1924-1936)

        

It is true to say that much of the fascist propaganda implemented during Mussolini’s dictatorship was created for the ‘ignorant masses’. However, the propaganda cannot be described as being ‘solely aimed’ at typical Italians as other forms were used to reach the high cultured and educated members of the public.

        The use of the term “ignorant masses” has a specific context within this assessment. As the text describes what Mussolini knew and how he acted, we can understand the words to be thought of as Mussolini’s interpretation of the general public. He was known to describe them as “…stupid, dirty, do not work hard enough and are content with their little cinema show…” (Robson), thus beneath him. Mussolini knew that they were the easier option and more susceptible to propaganda, he was aware of the educated and cultured posing a difficult task and almost a threat. His appeasement with this higher cultured group determines the level of propaganda taken upon the ignorant masses. However there were still forms of propaganda that did contact the high cultured and educated, whether intentional or not, and some attempts to reach those slightly less educated and cultured than the intellectuals.

        Fascist propaganda had many forms and ways to affect people. As Robson comments “ “one must strike the imagination of the public: that is the real secret of how to govern” That’s what Mussolini felt” Visually high impact and  vocally arousing propaganda was the most useful to the Fascists as at least 17% of Italy was completely illiterate throughout 1924-1936. This propaganda could affect the emotive aspect of human nature rather than the intellectual features. The mass media such as posters and radio were a way to impose propaganda upon the completely uneducated. Words are not necessary to crate an immediate and strong impact where the use of colour and image are. The poster for the Olympic Games displaying a javelin thrower in line with an Italian soldier launching a grenade links Italian prowess in sport with war (Hite). It encourages the fascist ideas of aggressive foreign policy and creates an image of the viewer himself also being capable of doing something great for his country, out on the battlefield instead of the sports field. Posters would contact all groups of people from housewives doing their daily groceries to southern peasant farmers. This particular tactic emphasises the intended audience as an educated and cultured person would be able to see the hidden message. It may also not be interesting enough to attract their attention in the first place as a poster cannot replace literature, art and other cultured interests. This Fascist propaganda was aiming at the most uneducated through the lack of text and use of image.

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        In 1924 radio became state run and content controlled. Their stern, martial tone had as much of an impact as their content of music and ever increasing official broadcasts such as Mussolini’s major speeches. Few people had radios although their numbers increased from 40 000 in 1927 to 1 million in 1938. This was renovated by the use of loud speakers in the piazzas and radios in village halls. Although disregarded by Mussolini at first, the radio became a favoured tool in reaching the ‘ignorant masses’ whether at work, home or even school. Cinema also became a more popular device. ...

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