A major factor to explain why Mussolini was able to achieve power was not only due to fear of the left, but also because of the government’s instability. Democracy in Italy was corrupt and inefficient, since most of the politicians represented the interests of the upper and middle classes. After the war there were hardly any tourists upon which Italy’s economy dependent on. The industrial relations were bad, which led to an increased strikes and violence in public life. It is in this atmosphere of chaos and misery people began to desire a new government, which would protect and help its citizens.
A major factor to explain why Mussolini was able to achieve power was not only due to fear of the left, but also because of the general atmosphere of disillusionment and frustration. Italy was disappointed at her gains from the peace treaties. When entering the war, the Allies promised to give her some areas, but ultimately she received much less than what was expected. Italians felt cheated, and they lost about a million of men. The war had brought a disastrous effect on the economy. Due to the war, Italy had borrowed huge loans from the USA, which had to be paid. This caused the collapse of law and order in the country, where many people faced unemployment. The country found itself in a horrible economic situation.
A major factor to explain why Mussolini was able to achieve power was not only due to fear of the left, but also because he was attractive to many sections of society. Mussolini didn’t have a specific political programme, which meant he was very flexible, and tried to conform to each society. Thus, he gained the support of property-owners, the Roman Catholic Church and the King. Mussolini appeared to be an anti-communist and anti-republican in the eyes of the Pope and the King. This kind of support had given him a clear chance to come to power.
A major factor to explain why Mussolini was able to achieve power was not only due to fear of the left, but also because of the March on Rome. Mussolini’s ambition was to become the Prime Minister of Italy, since he knew that politicians would not let that to happen, he organised a takeover of the government. However, Mussolini saw the march only as a political blackmail. On the 27th of October 1922, Fascist squads seized Rome. Initially, the government decided to act, but the next day the King had refused to use force against the Fascists. Thus, on 29th of October, the King asked Mussolini to become the Prime Minister of Italy.
I agree that the rise to power of Mussolini was due to fear of the left. After Bolsheviks seized the power, Communism became powerful. It was very strong throughout Europe. In Italy, where disorder, corruption and violence were present, the Communist Party grew stronger and stronger. Since Communism abandoned business, religion and monarchy, those sections of society were greatly frightened of the regime. Therefore, a strong leader that would protect privileged elites, the monarchy and the Church, was demanded. Those sections of society noticed Mussolini that tried to conform to the demands. Thus, Mussolini gained support from the powerful people, and his way to rise to power was more possible.
by
bulats (student)
