Mussolini's Increase in Power

To some extent, Mussolini’s ability to secure and increase his power in 1919-1928 was due to the weaknesses of his political opponents. However, Mussolini’s strengths were also an important part in doing this. Mussolini was able to increase his power from 1922-1928 through his strategy, his ability to obtain Rule by Decree, the establishment of the Grand Council of Fascism and the fact that he had the support of powerful groups. He also used various violent tactics, which meant the Fascists had the power of the state behind them. However, Mussolini’s opponents were very weak. This is demonstrated in the failure of the Aventine succession and the weaknesses of the Liberals and the Socialists.

The weaknesses and failings of the Liberal Party were a major reason as to why Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister and able to secure power. The Liberals lost the support of the Catholic Church and in addition to this, leading Liberal politicians constantly argued with each other. With the loss of the Catholic Church, it was near impossible for the government to survive. The Liberals also experienced a large failure in their ‘mutilated victory’ when Italy demanded the territory agreed to in 1915 and the city of Fiume. Britain and France refused to hand over Fiume. As a result the nationalists were outraged and claimed they had been cheated. The soldiers saw the peace settlement as a humiliation and many believed the government had fallen into the hands of the socialists who did not support the war. For these men and many others, Liberalism and the Parliamentary system was a fail. As a result of the Liberals’ inability to form stable coalitions, their fear of socialism and their uncertainty of how to deal with the growing disorder, the Liberals became convinced that a Fascist presence in the government would be the only way to help it get back on its feet. Thus, Mussolini was able to secure power. However, one could argue that to some extent Mussolini himself was the