Mussolini Increasing Power:
1. Mussolini became Prime Minister on October 30th 1922, following the March on Rome on October 28th 1922.
2. Blackshirts + Fascist supporters believed a revolution was about to begin, but Mussolini showed caution.
3. He saw there were limits to Fascist power. In 1922, PNF had 32 out of 535 deputies, Mussolini was made aware a Fascist government was impossible. He believed the King (with support of the army) would not allow him to do away with the government.
4. Mussolini constructed a coalition government. It was largely right-wing. His ‘national government’ consisted of four liberals, four fascists, two popolari, three nationalists and four independent deputies.
Mussolini’s Strategy:
1. Mussolini wanted the fascist minority to control the coalition government. He was Prime Minister but also minister of foreign affairs and minister of the interior - giving him control over the police.
2. He continued to use the threat of Fascist violence to intimidate parliament, despite not yet securing supreme power.
3. He persuaded deputies that if they gave him near-dictatorial powers, they would be acting in Italy’s best interests. He told them the breakdown of the law and threat of socialist revolution was so great that extraordinary measures were needed. He argued that once the country was stabilised, he would give up his emergency powers and restore normal parliamentary rule.
4. However, the Socialist threat was almost non-existent, and the breakdown of law and order was largely because of Fascist violence. However, conservatives and liberals were still terrified of the left’s supposed danger.
5. Conservatives and liberals believed Mussolini that any powers granted would be temporary. Until late 1924, most deputies believed Mussolini could be transformed into a respectable Prime Minister.
Rule of Decree:
1. Mussolini demanded parliament give him the right to rule by decree for twelve months (taking steps to increase his power).
2. This meant he could create new laws without consulting parliament.
3. He justified this, stating that only a strong government could take the stern measures to restore law and order and revive Italy.
4. The deputies had a vote of no confidence and granted Mussolini emergency powers for a twelve month period on November 24th 1922.
5. Only socialists + communists opposed the motion.
6. Prominent liberals like Giolitti, Salandra and Facta proclaimed their support for Mussolini as a decisive Prime Minister.
Grand Council of Fascism:
1. Mussolini moved to consolidate his authority over the PNF, his own party.
2. In December 1922, he created the Grand Council of Fascism. This was to reassure other leading Fascists of their significance.
3. The council was a consultative committee, where Fascist leaders would meet to discuss political issues.
4. It also linked to the broader Fascist government and movement.
5. Mussolini chose 22 members for the council - they met once a month.
6. Its main purposes for Mussolini were; he could exert control over leading members of the Fascist movement + the council would discuss new policy before it was sent to the cabinet/parliament for approval, meaning new policy was created by the Fascist Party not the elected parliament.
Controlling the PNF + Establishment of the MVSN:
1. Mussolini controlled all appointments of the GCoF. This ensured he alone controlled Fascist policy and could reduce squadristi violence, returning to normal constitutional methods.
2. On January 1st 1923, he limited the power of the ras/provincial Fascist leaders by converting the Fascist squads into a national militia. He created the ‘Voluntary Militia for National Security’ (MVSN).
3. This gave his blackshirts legal status as a state-sanctioned force that was under the control of the Fascist Party rather than provincial leaders. The MVSN was loyal to Mussolini, not the monarchy or traditional military.
4. It was essentially a private army of over 300,000 men that Mussolini could use to intimidate political opponents.
5. Mussolini also controlled other prominent members of the party that he deemed too radical or a future challenge. He did this to prevent a political reaction against the Fascist movement.
6. He made Roberto Farinacci (a radical) party secretary, which gave Mussolini more control over the radical branch of the PNF.
7. He sent another radical, Cesare de Vecchi, to govern Italian Somaliland. This was to prevent his continued violent action against local opposition.
Support from Powerful Groups:
1. Mussolini used Fascist violence to deter potential opponents. But he also courted influential groups.
2. In early 1923, he persuaded the ‘Confindustria’ to support his premiership. He decided not to attack widespread tax evasion, convincing industrialists that he was not too radical.
3. Mussolini achieved Catholic support by confirming he intended to ban contraception and make religious education compulsory in schools. Consequently, the Pope began to withdraw support from the Populari. He instructed Don-Sturtzo to leave Italy. By mid-1923, the Populari had been dropped by the coalition and had lost the support of conservative Catholics. This ended Populari's political significance.
4. Mussolini’s reassurances had generated vital support from the liberals, conservatives and Catholics. They were convinced that he was a man who could destroy socialism and bring energy + dynamism into Italian politics. They also believed that he could be influenced/controlled and was a prime minister who would want to share power, not monopolise it for themselves.
Growth in PNF Membership:
1. PNF membership increased from 300,000 in 1922 to 783,000 by the end of 1923.
2. Increased membership diluted the radical elements of the party as new members weren’t necessarily believers but wanted the patronage the PNF could offer.
3. In February 1923, the Italian Nationalist Association (ANI) merged with the PNF - bringing more conservatives and upper-class members into the party.