Explain why there was a fascist March on Rome in 1922.

Explain why there was a fascist March on Rome in 1922.

1. SOCIALLY - The march was purely a dramatic gesture on the Fascist's behalf. Considering the previous government was inherently weak, having been headed by Salandra; the march was symbolic of the Fascist strength and was inevitably required in order to present Fascism in such an acute manner. The march was timed to exploit the weaknesses within the Liberal government, therefore it was a reaction to the weak leadership of Facta, Prime Minister from February– October 1922, who failed to act against Fascist threats and violence and Salandra, who took over in October, who was unable to persuade Mussolini to join his government and so advised his appointment as Prime Minister.

2. POLITICALLY - Politically To incite fear into Mussolini's oppostition and efficiently appear upon the national and world stage, which had, infact contrasted greatly with the previously weak consitution. the March on Rome was part of Mussolini’s ‘twin track’ policy to secure power, the threat of violence twinned with negotiations with the holders of power • the March on Rome was planned as a means of bringing Mussolini into power. The Fascists won only 7% of the vote in the 1921 elections, Mussolini refused anything less than the Prime Minister’s post. His radical followers (the Ras) demanded a takeover of local and central government. Mussolini used the threat of the Ras to reinforce his claims and on 29 October King Victor Emmanuel invited him to Rome to form a government

3. DESPERATION - the March on Rome was necessary to quell growing unrest within the radical elements of the Fascist Party who resented Mussolini’s talks with the political Establishment. The Fascist Ras wanted an immediate seizure of power and revolution. ULTIMATELY designed to secure Mussolini as Prime Minister and his position as leader of the Fascist Party