To enhance the public image of Mussolini further, the Fascists took control of the media. Propaganda posters portrayed Mussolini as a skilled man of action, photographs showed him working on construction and irrigation projects; others were also published of him running and horse riding. The photographs and posters were used to reach the high number of illiterate members of Italy.
Another critical area for Fascist control was education. Mussolini’s government kept strict control over the school curriculum and any teachers who criticised Mussolini or Fascist ideas were removed. School children were taught not to question but to obey, in preparation for obey to the Fascist state as they grew older. However, the fascistisation of youth did not end in the classroom; there were also youth movements which were made compulsory to join in April 1926. The boy’s youth movement encouraged them to be courageous and strong; they were involved in military practices and outdoor activities. Mussolini wished to encourage this behaviour for Italy’s future army, however the youth movements also suffered from political indoctrination.
Newspapers were the most important form of propaganda, particularly in the 1920s. Mussolini suppressed criticism and ensured that journalists were aware that they could be arrested for criticising or publishing derogatory material. Official Fascist events were advertised through newspapers and he ensured the press followed official views.
To enhance Fascism’s virile and dynamic image, Mussolini particularly encouraged the development of leisure and sport. They hosted the second football World Cup in 1934 and became world champions, which boosted Italian prestige. Leisure activities ranging from sporting events to cinema, theatre and radio were covered with propaganda. Mussolini realised the importance of radio, his speeches were broadcasted live and radios were set up in town squares and schools. This indoctrinated the illiterate with Fascist ideas and the ‘Il Duce’ image. Mass rallies and parades were also used to heighten national pride.
However, Mussolini’s ruthless determination and tactics helped him to consolidate his power and the Fascist regime. He continued to use the threat of violence to intimidate parliament. He also attempted to persuade MPs that, if they granted him near-dictatorial powers, they would be acting both in their interests and in the interests of Italy. He used the threat of Socialism as an excuse to receive extraordinary measures, he argued that after the country had been stabilised, he would give up the powers. Although, in reality the Socialist threat was almost non-existent and the collapse of law and order was largely result of the Fascist violence.
As the death of Matteotti proved, Mussolini had no compunction about using violence and even murder to silence his critics and opponents. By 1926 it is probable that the Fascist squads had murdered around 2000 opponents. Dissidents were spied upon by the dictator’s secret police, the OVRA, severely beaten up, and often imprisoned without trial. The regime also set up concentration camps, although there were fewer than 5000 prisoners, which is very little in comparison to other 20th century dictatorships.
Mussolini adopted a broadly conciliatory approach when dealing with those interest groups whose support he needed to consolidate his regime: the Church and industry. Mussolini pointed out that Fascism and Catholicism faced common enemies in Socialism and Liberalism. Relations steadily warmed and in 1929 the Lateran Agreements were signed, finally healing the breach between the Catholic Church and the Italian state. Mussolini could now rely on official Catholic support for his regime.
Mussolini also adopted tactics when dealing with Italian industrialists. Socialist and Catholic trade unions were banned and, in the following year, strikes were outlawed. These early concessions were instrumental in securing industrialists’ loyalty to the regime.
Propaganda was the key factor in presenting Mussolini as a powerful and brave leader. However, the extent to which the Italian people believed the propaganda is controversial as when the Fascist government fell, the majority of people were not indoctrinated. This also ultimately led to Mussolini’s downfall, as he believed his own propaganda: ‘Il Duce’.
