Life in Fascist Italy Between WWI and WWII

Political Changes and Mussolini's Rule

• Benito Mussolini led Italy with fascist policies that included:
  • Censorship
  • Nationalist propaganda
  • Militarism
• Daily life under Mussolini's rule was challenging due to these factors.

Fascist Propaganda

• Palazzo Braschi, Rome:
  • Fascist Party headquarters.
  • Decorated with Mussolini's image and "Si" posters to influence voting.
• Mussolini's strategy:
  • Decorate buildings with propaganda.
  • Construct infrastructure like sports complexes and schools, emulating Roman emperors and church leaders.

Hitler's Visit and Opposition

• Before Adolf Hitler's visit:
  • Oppositional figures were hidden to avoid conflict with Hitler.
• Example incident:
  • A Jewish man was detained but treated amicably by the police, emphasizing the state's concern about appearances.

The Black Shirts

• Paramilitary Force:
  • Used to instill fear and eliminate opposition.
  • Motto: "Me Ne Frego" ("I don't care")
  • Targeted socialists and peasant leaders.
• OVRA (Organization for Vigilance and Repression of Anti-fascism):
  • Secret police force to root out subversives.
  • Death penalty reinstated.
  • Many anti-fascists fled Italy.

Infrastructure and Public Perception

• Rail System:
  • Improved under Mussolini post-WWI devastation.
  • Larger trains were punctual; local trains suffered delays.
  • Complaints were rare due to fear of fascist repercussions.

Surveillance and Control

• Telecommunications:
  • Limited phones, surveilled by secret police.
  • Used to gather information on elites.
• Youth Indoctrination:
  • Boys indoctrinated young through organizations like Balilla and Avanguardista.
  • Girls expected to focus on motherhood and domesticity.

Gender Roles and Society

• Women were expected to be submissive and focus on family growth.
• Deviant women, according to the state, faced harsh repercussions.

Press and Information Control

• Mussolini manipulated the press to serve his agenda.
• Censorship was reactive, unlike proactive German tactics.
• Cinema used for propaganda; anti-fascist films banned.
• Radio broadcasts promoted nationalism.

Treatment of Minorities

• Homosexuals:
  • Considered degenerates, faced imprisonment.
  • Some were sent to San Domino, treated relatively leniently.
• Jews:
  • No state-mandated anti-Semitism until late 1930s.
  • Restrictive laws introduced, foreign Jews deported.

Church Relations

• Mussolini, despite being an atheist, aligned with the Catholic Church for support.
• Catholicism made the official religion of Italy.

Conclusion

• Mussolini's reign ended in 1945, marking the fall of Italian fascism.
• Reflection on lessons learned from fascist Italy is suggested.