Fascist Italy is a concise introduction to the phenomenon of Italian fascism and its impact. The author balances an up-to-date re-evaluation of political, diplomatic and military developments with a full assessment of the more neglected domestic and cultural dimensions of the subject. With the aid of documents and recent research on the subject, this book presents an analysis of the origins of the movement, the reasons behind its political success and the methods used to construct and consolidate a regime capable of resolving the problems of mass society in the 20th century. Within his broad-ranging analysis, Whittam places particular emphasis on the attempts to exert social control, the interaction of party and state, the tension between revolutionary and conservative tendencies and on the role of Il Duce. Mussolini's triumphs and failures in peace and war and his ultimate responsibility for the disintegration of the regime are discussed objectively.
Part 1 The formation of the fascist movement: the first fascist meeting; the leader; post-war economic and political problems; the "fascists of the first hour". Part 2 Expansion and breakthrough 1920-1922: the challenge of D'Annunzio; "Squadrismo" - the fascist offensive; the march on Rome. Part 3 Transition - from coalition to regime 1922-1928: a government which governs; the entry of the nationalists; the Matteotti crisis; the establishment of the fascist regime. Part 4 The construction of the regime - economic and social developments: the "decennale" of 1932; economic policy; social reforms; education and youth movements; women; Dopolavoro; the Lateran pacts. Part 5 The search for an ideology - intellectuals, propaganda and racism: the manifesto of the fascist intellectuals 21 April 1925; Romanita; propaganda; racism. Part 6 Diplomacy, war and collapse: foreign policy - the quiet years 1922-1935; Ethiopia; the axis; war and defeat; the coup of July 1943 and its consequences. Epilogue - the legacy. Selected documents.
