By Kira Collins
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.
“Revive Roman Greatness!”
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.