Acerbo Law, 1932- Undersecretary, Acerbo
passed a law to permit the party that
obtained the most votes in a general
election to take two-thirds of seats in
parliament as long as it got at least 25% of
votes cast. Fascist bloc obtained 65% of the
vote due to rigging in April 1924.
Mateotti crisis, 1924- Anti-fascist MP
condemned Blackshirt illegality at
the polls. 11 days later, he was
abducted and killed.
MUSSOLINI- Speech to Chamber in January 1925- He said Italy needed a stronger
regime to deal with political opponents and remove the need to use fascist squads. He
also stressed that he was committed to using legal methods. Reassured gov and fascist
radicals by defence of fascism. Subsequently closed down 400 "suspect organisations",
supposedly holding illegal weapons. The remaining non-fascist ministers resigned and
joined the government. Fascists would now have less internal disputes in government.
PROPAGANDA- Cult of the Duce which depicted Mussolini as Italy's saviour. Posters, films,
newspapers all conveyed an image on a well rounded leader. Almost giving him divine status.
Set him apart from the Fascist system, problems could be blamed on the government and
not him and allowed for a long term regime.
CONTROL OF THE PRESS: By 1926- all opposition
newspapers had been closed down. Newspapers were
expected to give minimal coverage to sensitive topics such
as crime and unemployment.
GAINING SUPPORT: Education-
December 1925- Mussolini instructed
schools to educate young Italians to live
according to the fascist revolution.
Youth: The Fascist youth movement (ONB)
helped to instill fascist values into the minds
of the young (aged 6-18). Established in
1926 and within a year had over 1.2 million
members.
OND- Fascist organisation helped foster
public identification with the regime. Formed
in 1925- offered sport, music, films, plays,
holidays. Also provided welfare for poor
families. Informal class segregation meant
there wasn't a sense of national community.
Fascist Grand Council established in 1922- consisted of 22
fascist members as the PNFs key policy making body. Important
step towards dictatorship. They now controlled it's membership
and agenda.