By Kira Collins

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       The Ideology





Italy was under Fascist dictatorship during the 1930s. Fascism is a form of totalitarian government that has no exclusive beliefs or code.  During the 1930’s different Fascist countries had different ideals, and now Fascism has evolved to be a definition of nay non-communist group.  However, all Fascist governments demand extreme nationalism and loyalty to the dictator, as well as encouraging emotional urges for action, violence, and discipline over enlightenment ideals of reason, liberty and equality.


“Believe, Obey, Fight”

This strict form of government, which promised strength and security during the unstable post-WII democracy in Italy, appealed to the people who were craving discipline and the end of political disputes and corruption.  To achieve a “more efficient state” he instated a command economy and replace elected officials with fascist ones. Beyond the immediate promises of order throughout Italy, Mussolini’s aim was to eliminate constitutional government in Italy. He even-larger goal was to restore national pride in Italy and elevate it to the glorious Roman state that it once was.

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“Revive Roman Greatness!”                             

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In Fascist Italy, the individual existed for the greater benefit of the state. Italian fascist ideology emphasized the principles of social Darwinism which states that the “fittest race” is the most superior and will therefore survive. This gave Mussolini an excuse to ferociously expand territory and demonstrate the violent tendencies of a fascist regime. During WWI, Italian women and men were equal, and, though there were no true scapegoats in Mussolini’s reign, a distinct stratification of society formed. The totalitarian government was anti-leftist and anyone who wasn’t completely supportive of fascism was removed from his or her role in society. Italian men were expected to go selflessly into battle to conquer land to uphold honor and show support for the country; Women were blamed for the countries problems and lost many of their new rights. They weren’t allowed to join the work force and were told that the only job they were good for was bearing children. If a woman conceived 13 children or more, she would receive a medal from Mussolini himself.