'The Appeal of Fascism was the main reason for Mussolini becoming Prime Minister

in 1922'. How far do you agree?

The main reason for Mussolini becoming Prime Minister in 1922 is a complicated
and contested question. The case for the appeal of fascism being the key factor is a
powerful one. Historians can point to the role of key individuals, the popularity of
fascism and the march on Rome to justify this view. Nonetheless, other factors have
just as powerful a pull. Consider the population discontent post-unification of Italy,
which was reinforced by the broader socio-political landscape as a result of Italy’s
involvement in World War I.

Firstly, the appeal of Fascism cannot be discounted. Mussolini's Fascist movement

emerged as a response to the perceived failures of liberal democracy and the
growing disillusionment with traditional political parties. Fascism offered a powerful
alternative, promising strong and decisive leadership, national rejuvenation, and the
restoration of Italy's past glory. Mussolini skillfully exploited nationalist sentiment and
social discontent, capitalising on widespread frustration with the political
establishment to garner support for his movement.

The March on Rome in October 1922 stands as a pivotal moment in Mussolini's

ascent to power. The threat of violence and the prospect of civil unrest forced King
Victor Emmanuel III to invite Mussolini to form a government, fearing a potential
coup or revolution. The success of the March on Rome underscored the Fascists'
ability to exert pressure on the authorities and highlighted the potency of Mussolini's
movement in mobilising popular support. It demonstrated the widespread appeal of
Fascism and its capacity to disturb broad segments of the population behind its
agenda.

However, the rise of Fascism was not solely driven by its appeal. It was also
facilitated by the support of conservative elites, including industrialists, landowners,
and members of the military. These groups viewed Fascism as a bulwark against
socialism and communism, and saw Mussolini as a strong and decisive leader
capable of restoring order and protecting their interests. Their backing provided
Mussolini with crucial legitimacy and resources, enabling him to consolidate power
and hence, being appointed Prime Minister in 1922. This could even be argued to be
a more important reason for Mussolini’s appointment.

Furthermore, Mussolini's ascent to power must be contextualised within the

population discontent post-Italy’s unification. One aspect that can be argued for was
the lack of a popular vote for unification. Many of the regions defeated in battle
remained sceptical of unification and were not given a specific chance to vote on
whether they wanted this process to happen or not. Rather, Garibaldi and the Liberal
state sought to impose unification. Therefore, many people didn’t identify with the
new Italy. Evidence of this is found in the Pope’s hostility, he and his supporters
among catholics wanted the independence of the papal state outside of the new italy,
which they considered essential for guaranteeing the freedom of the church.

Another example is how widespread localism and communitarianism remained.

These contributed to the challenges faced by the Liberal state and creating fertile
ground for the rise of Mussolini's Fascist and his appointment as Prime Minister.
Also, a range of social issues remained, including illiteracy rates, limited access to
education and healthcare, and entrenched social hierarchies. This long-term issue of
lack of disunification, could be the main reason for Mussolini’s appointment as Prime
Minister.

Whilst, the socio-political environment left by the First World War was the turning
point of the discontent of the Italian population, causing the fall of the liberal state,
and hence, resulting in Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister. After the war, Italy
was in debt of 15 billion lire to Britain and 8.5 billion lire to the United States. This
caused the state to raise the taxes, which angered people and affected many
Italians' economic life. Further, the war is linked to the socialists gaining more
support; in 1914 they had 50,000 members and in 1919 that rose to just below
200,000 members.

After the First World War, Europe’s working class went on a significant radicalisation
process. Union membership exploded with strikes, demonstrations and uprisings
increasing. Many workers were angry with the economic fall-out from the war and
became increasingly militant (e.g. factory occupations of 1920). A 2 year period of
intense social conflict arose in Italy between 1919-20. This led to: economic crisis,
high unemployment, political instability, mass strikes, worker protests, experimental
land and factory ownership with self-management. This brought more support to
Mussolini, and contributed to the rise of his Fascist Party. This contribution could
also be argued to be the most important reason than the appeal of fascism, for
Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister in 1922.

In conclusion, Mussolini becoming Prime Minister in 1922 must have been, up to

some extent, due to the population discontent post-Italy’s unification, as well as due
to the broader socio-political landscape post-WW1. This is strongly evidenced by
how the war brought about widespread economic disruption, social upheaval, and
disillusionment with liberal democratic institutions. Further, it created fertile ground
for radical ideologies to take hold, offering promises of stability, order, and national
rejuvenation in the face of perceived liberal weakness.

However, it was the appeal of Fascism that proved to be the decisive factor in the
collapse of the Liberal state and the emergence of Fascism. Despite this was backed
up by the factors evaluated above, and may be considered a continuation of those
factors, events like the March on Rome, part of the appeal of Fascism, were the
point of inflection of this discontent, hence, being directly the reason for Mussolini’s
appointment as Prime Minister in 1922.