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The Success of Mussolini's Consolidation of His Fascist State from 1922-1930

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The Success of Mussolini's Consolidation of His Fascist State from 1922-1930

Benito Mussolini was able to take power in Italy after the famous long march in Rome in 1922. He then consolidated his fascist state of Italy between 1922 and 1930. He accomplished through well-designed strategies.

Getting fascists into important positions

Mussolini used changes in the law to strengthen his grip on Government in Italy. The elected council of Rome was abolished. This was a significant check to Mussolini’s power as it ran and controlled the largest and richest city in Italy. The black shirts were made into an official militia, which meant fascists could legally intimidate and persecute their …show more content…

Communists were arrested and there was censorship of Italian newspapers. It was now very difficult to oppose Mussolini’s power in Italy.

Removing power from the king in 1925

The King was removed of his power to appoint and dismiss members of the Government, which had become the Grand Council of Fascism. Then the Prime Minister (Mussolini) was made Head of State as well as Government by law. The King was only a symbolic leader of Italy with no legal or political powers.

The use of dictatorial powers

Mussolini now had dictatorial powers. He could now do whatever he wanted and no one in Italy could block his decisions and laws. He used the powers to restore order.

The use of Propaganda

Mussolini and his fascist party used the propaganda as a tool for both attaining power and consolidating power. In public, Mussolini was shown as “Il Duce” (which is the Italian word for leader). The propaganda machine was directed by the Ministry of Popular Culture. It controlled newsreels, radio broadcasts, and newspaper stories glorifying Mussolini. The Fascist Party organised huge rallies at Mussolini’s Roman headquarters at Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini addressed the crowds with rousing speeches. Fascists made many propaganda axioms such as, “Il Duce is always right,” and that youth should learn to “Believe, obey, fight.” Mussolini represented

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