Mussolini's Rise to Power

Becoming Prime Minister

• Date: October 30th, 1922
• Event Leading to Power: March on Rome on October 28th, 1922
• Blackshirts and Fascists: Believed in an imminent revolution
• Mussolini's Realization: Limits to Fascist power, PNF had only 32 out of 535 deputies
• Coalition Government: Consisted of various political factions (liberals, fascists, popolari, nationalists, independents)

Mussolini’s Strategy

• Control of Government: Wanted fascist minority to dominate the coalition
• Positions Held: Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Interior
• Use of Threats: Fascist violence to intimidate parliament
• Persuasion: Deputies were convinced to grant Mussolini near-dictatorial powers
• Exaggerated Socialist Threat: Used to justify power consolidation
• Conservative and Liberal Belief: Temporary powers and transformation into a respectable PM

Rule of Decree

• Request Made: Right to rule by decree for twelve months
• Outcome: Allowed Mussolini to create laws without consulting parliament
• Justification: Needed strong government to restore order
• Parliament Vote: November 24th, 1922, emergency powers granted
• Opposition: Only Socialists and Communists opposed

Grand Council of Fascism

• Established: December 1922
• Purpose: Consolidate authority over the PNF
• Function: Consultative committee for Fascist leaders
• Membership: 22 members, meetings once a month
• Significance: Control over Fascist movement and policy creation

Controlling the PNF & MVSN

• Control Over Policy: Sole appointment power over GCoF
• Militia Formation: Fascist squads converted into MVSN
• MVSN: Legal status, loyal to Mussolini
• Party Control: Controlled radicals within the party
• Strategic Placements: Roberto Farinacci as party secretary; Cesare de Vecchi to Italian Somaliland

Support from Powerful Groups

• Deterrence and Courtship: Fascist violence and influential group persuasion
• Confindustria Support: Not addressing tax evasion
• Catholic Support: Policies on contraception and religious education
• Populari Decline: Loss of support and political significance
• Liberal and Conservative Support: Mussolini seen as a destroyer of socialism

Growth in PNF Membership

• Membership Increase: From 300,000 (1922) to 783,000 (1923)
• Effect of Growth: Diluted radical elements, attracted conservatives and upper-class
• ANI Merger: Brought more conservative elements into the PNF

Mussolini's strategic maneuvering and manipulation of political situations allowed him to expand his power and consolidate control over Italy through a combination of strategic appointments, legislative changes, and gaining support from key societal groups.