Who Really Ruled Italy in 1926-40?
Uploaded by Admin on Mar 19, 1999
Mussolini is considered as one of the most important European dictators of the twenties century. If he is a dictator he would be the absolute ruler of Italy, but a man can not do everything himself. So how important were the other protagonists: the fascist party and the establishment? Their strength would be measured in power.
Mussolini through his political situation was the most powerful man in Italy. He was Prime Minister and held up to 8 ministries at once. The parliament had very restrained powers, Mussolini decided and the parliament could only agree as the members all belonged to Mussolini's party. It was used as a security valve. He would give tasks to the independent members such as Farinacci to keep them occupied and on is side. Even if the members of the parliament and of the government were members of the fascist party their influence and power was limited.
Not only was Mussolini the leader of the country he was also from 1926 the chairman of the Fascist party. This meant that he had much more power over the party than he had before when he was representing the party in the Government. Mussolini was also able to appoint people whilst before for candidates to take posts the party had to vote for them. Mussolini by being the chairman absorbed a main part of the fascist party power. The symbiosis of the Mussolini's power as Prime minister and as leader of the Fascist party diminished the influence of all other powers.
Unlike Russia, the party did not take the state over. It was Mussolini who took over the country and the fascist party almost followed him. Mussolini was chosen Prime Minister and by his reforms he increased the importance of the Fascist political party. The party was still Mussolini accessory.
Mussolini over-centralised Italy in Rome to limit the power and independence of the raj. Mussolini acted like a 17th century king; he kept everyone under his eyes. Mussolini wanted to be able to rule the whole of Italy from Rome. This increased his importance in the towns of Italy. It was almost as if he was the mayor of each town.
The corporate State increased his control of the workers and employers. Mussolini was aware that even if he had banned all trade unions strikes were possible. His solution was to install twenty-two corporations, which acted as mediator between the workers,...