The Fascist Party: Benito Mussolini

Benito Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in March of 1919, and during 1921 the Fascist Party joined Italy’s coalition government. In order to gain a strong political influence, the Fascist Party depended on the mobilization of its supporters. The Fascists were politically contentious in that they sought political overthrow of the current governmental structure. Contentious politics often require mobilization because if the group does not have overwhelming support, it would be difficult to alter the current structure that is either well-supported, systematically maintained, or maintained due to power imbalance. Through utilization of multiple forms of propaganda, Mussolini was able to achieve many supporters and build a great following throughout …show more content…
Mussolini used posters to gain a following and promote Fascist nationalism and ideals. Posters similar to that of Image 1, which shows the face of Mussolini over mountains, swords, and Egypt and reads “Uno per tutti, tutti per il Duce” meaning “One for all, all for il Duce”, were plastered all over Italy. Posters like this were used to persuade people to be a part of the “all” and support Mussolini as their leader. The placement of his face above land implies that he is supposed to be thought of as a great man who is greater than the world itself. Posters were also used to project Unity/Social Solidarity. Posters similar to image 2 were used to perpetuate momentum of the cause among people who were already supporting the cause. They were asking for a sacrifice of a wedding ring for an iron ring of memento for their contribution to the cause. This made all of those people feel like they were helping and making an actual difference. The Iron ring would also symbolize they loyalty to the cause and show others on the street without even saying anything that they support the Fascist. This makes them feel included, part of something big, and is also a reward for their helping. It is a small reward but is still effective. Nationalism is also portrayed through posters. The image is dark both literally and metaphorically. The three formidable hands of the Allies, the Jews, and the Communists are …show more content…
Nationalism was often elicited through the Fascists’ slogans. The phrase “Noi sognamo l’italia romana”, which translates to “We dream of a Roman Italy”, was used in speeches, on posters, and painted onto city walls. The idea of achieving the same level of greatness as Italy’s strong, Roman ancestors was a major motif of Fascist propaganda. The purpose of this was to project the notion that fascist politics were going to “create a system, one as solid and universal as the civilization of the Romans”. Another popular slogan during the Fascist era in Italy was “Credere, obbedire, combattere”, meaning “Believe, obey, fight”. These words were commonly found on posters or chanted, but they were so deeply imprinted into the culture that it even household items, such as this Venetian lamp, brandished these words of Mussolini. Nationalistic slogans were used to gain political support for the Fascist party, but it was also used to elevate the idolization of Mussolini himself. The phrase “Viva il Duce”, meaning “Long live the Leader”, was used to so the Italians would learn to idolize Mussolini, who was self-titled “Il Duce”. One of the reasons that slogans as propaganda are psychologically effective is that they utilize the Primacy Effect. In relation to forming impressions, the Primacy Effect is “the first traits we perceive in others influence how we view information that we learn about them