How Did Benito Mussolini Rise To Power

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Benito Mussolini was a clever man. Prior to 1922, he used the post war crisis to his advantage. He provided the illusion that fascism was the way forward and a way to eradicate the country of socialism . The people of Italy saw it as a means to end the economic, social and political turmoil they were facing . The political ideology and mass movement of fascism dominated Italy. It included extreme militaristic nationalism, political and cultural liberalism. They stood for social unity and believed in natural social hierarchies. However, for the benefit of this essay, the political and social changes introduced by Mussolini after his appointment will be analysed in order to discover how radical they were.
Mussolini became Prime Minister in 1922.
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He wanted Italy recognised as a great power. However, it would require a population of tough, disciplined and warlike citizens to succeed . Mussolini implemented many changes in society in order to achieve his goals. The majority of these changes impacted women, education and youth movements. Women in a fascist society were expected to stay at home, be submissive and nurturing . Mussolini launched the battle for births , aiming to keep women out of work and increase the Italian population. In return for women bearing more children, marriage loans and tax cuts were offered, while providing health care for mothers and children . He enforced the laws against abortion and contraception , leaving women with no alternative. Fascism changed education by indoctrination . Mussolini aimed to use education as a way to create a nation of strong, disciplined fascists. Schools supported the cult of fascism . Consequently, children were taught that Mussolini was all great and powerful and that he was always right. The free time of children was also radicalised through youth movements, boys were to attend the ‘Balilla, a training ground preparing them for joining the fascist organisation . Girls were also encouraged and taught that giving birth was natural . For adults, the Dopolavoro was set up in 1925. It provided leisure activities to encourage working class support for fascism . Significantly, Mussolini aimed to …show more content…
In politics, Mussolini aimed to take control and restore Italy to its former glory. In order to consolidate his power, Mussolini went to extreme lengths to ensure he won the next election. He took radical measures in order to manipulate changes in the law and strengthen his grip on government. In order for Mussolini to successfully achieve his dictatorship, he controlled many departments simultaneously placing them under governmental control. In society, Mussolini had radical policies implemented in order to alter many areas of society. He wanted women at home and having multiple births, in order to bring the next generation of soldiers and mothers. Education was transformed into a cult that was forced to indoctrinate children, so they could accept and support the fascist regime. Therefore in conclusion, there were many radical changes implemented by Mussolini in politics and society. Mussolini was controlling, he wanted to transform Italy and it was not about the good of the nation, it was about oppression and

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