Mussolini

March on Rome –

When Benito Mussolini, an Italian politician who led the National Fascist Party, came to power in 1921, he formed the “Blackshirts” or the “Squadristi”. The Blackshirts were the ones Mussolini used to break general strikes that first erupted at the Alfa Romeo factory in Milan.

In an attempt to sidestep any possible competition in the formation of the Fascist party, Mussolini decided on the infamous March on Rome in October 1922. Mussolini had declared before a crowd of 60,000 at the Fascist Congress in Naples that his program was simple, he wants to rule Italy. There was no actual march, however there was an unimaginable eruption of violence and terrorism along the way. Mussolini and about 25,000 Fascist Blackshirts took the train to the city and marched in a ceremonial parade on 31st October.

The March on Rome was the precipitating force behind a transfer of power within the framework of Italy’s constitution. Public authorities surrendered in the face of fascist intimidation and while economic leaders, particularly businesses and financial leaders, thought that they could manipulate Mussolini, their expectations were proved totally wrong as Mussolini’s corporatist view stressed total power over businesses as well. He used governing industry bodies controlled by the Fascist party. While businesses retained ownership and responsibility over their property, there was, however, not much freedom to enjoy.

Mussolini achieved power after the march, King Vittorio Emanuele appointed him Prime Minister of Italy and on November 16th, Mussolini gained full authority over the rule of Italy which started his dictatorship.

Prior to the election, members of Don Sturzo’s Catholic group, the Christian Democrats, were given orders by the Vatican to give Mussoline full dictatorial powers. Mussolini garnered 306 votes, 116 voted against giving him full power. Needless to say, the Christian Democrats voted unanimously.

Shortly thereafter, Pope Pius XI ordered Don Sturzo to leave Italy and eventually the Christian Democratic Party languished and the clerical fascists rallied strongly behind fascism.

As an expression of his gratitude to the Vatican for their display of full support in his installation to power, Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty, a political treaty recognizing the full sovereignty of the Holy See in the State of Vatican City. Similarly, it is a concordat regulating regulations between the Italian state and the Catholic Church.

The Lateran Treaty further states that the Vatican recognized Mussolini as the ruler of Italy and received 1,750,000,000 liras (20,000,000 pounds). Furthermore, the treaty also proclaimed Roman Catholicism as the religion of the State. Pope Pius XI referred to Mussolini as “The man whom Providence allowed us to meet.”