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Mussolini’s Italy. Part 2. In the beginning…. By 1925 Mussolini had taken more power and taken the title Il Duce (Eel Doo Chay ) “The Leader” He suppressed rival parties Muzzled the press Limited the number of voters Replaced elected officials with Fascist supporters
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Mussolini’s Italy Part 2
In the beginning… • By 1925 Mussolini had taken more power and taken the title Il Duce (Eel Doo Chay) “The Leader” • He suppressed rival parties • Muzzled the press • Limited the number of voters • Replaced elected officials with Fascist supporters • In theory, Italy remained a parliamentary monarchy • In fact, it was a dictatorship • Critics were thrown into prison, exiled, or killed by secret police
Economic Policy • Mussolini brought the economy under state control • Unlike capitalism he preserved capitalism • Government controlled business, labor, trade • Workers were forbidden to strike (Low wages) • Production and profits went up but the people were still unhappy
Social Policies • The individual is unimportant except as a member of the state • Italy’s main slogan • “Believe! Obey! Fight!” • Everyone was taught • “A minute on the battlefield is worth a lifetime of peace” • Women were called to win the battle of motherhood • 14 or more children were given a metal by Il Duce
Social Policies • Women were valued as wives and mothers but not workers • “Machines and women are two major reasons of unemployment” Il Duce • Mussolini • Expected women to donate their gold wedding bands to the treasury • They were given iron ones that symbolized their contribution too a stronger nation
Fascist Youth • Shaping the future was a main priority of Il Duce • Children • Learned about the glory of Ancient Rome • Marched in torchlight parades • Sang patriotic hymns • Chanted “Mussolini is always right!” • By 1930 a generation of young soldiers stood ready to expand Italian power