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Mussolini: From prime minister to dictator, 1922-28 - Coggle Diagram
Mussolini: From prime minister to dictator, 1922-28
Mussolini's strategy
M was minister of interior, which gave him control of police and also minister of foreign affairs. He continued to use the threat of fascist violence to intimidate parliament, and tried to persuade MPs that if they granted him dictatorial powers they would be acting in their interests and the interests of italy.
tried to convince parliament fascists still needed to deal with socialists. he argued once country was stable, he would give up his special powers and revert back to parliamentary rule (socialist threat was virtually non-existent at this point.)
Rule by decree, Nov 1922
M demanded parliament give him right to rule by decree for 12 months, meaning he could effectively make laws without consulting parliament. M stated it was necessary as he needed a strong government to restore law and order. only socialists and communists opposed.
Grand Council of Fascism
In Dec 1922, M tried to increase his power over his own party by establishing the grand council of fascism. it was the supreme body within the party, which discussed policy proposals and made all key appointments. M made all appointments to the council to ensure he alone controlled the party.
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In Jan 1923, to reduce influence of provincial fascist leaders further, he converted fascist squads into national militia (MSVN) paid for by the state.He now possessed an army of 30,000 men to intimodate political opponents.
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Electoral reform
Acerbo law, July 1923: passed to end coalition govs. M argued italy needed stability through strong gov, so weak coalitions had to end. Acerbo law meant party who gained most votes would get 2/3 of the seats. Considerable amount of fascist intimidation by blackshirts in chamber upon the voting, but many deputies agreed anyways.
The April 1924 election: acerbo law put into practice. fascists campaigned w/right wing liberals, and secured 66% of vote. Fascist MPS increased from 35 to 374 (clear majority). M had grown in popularity, but blackshirt violence and ballot rigging contributed significantly.
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